Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis and How You Can Get Help

September 19, 2025

In Texas, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among youth, alongside drug overdose and accidental injuries, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While mental illness can affect anyone, a mental health crisis is a specific and urgent situation that requires immediate attention. In this blog, we aim to help you understand the warning signs of a mental health crisis and guide you to resources available in Austin that can offer timely and effective help.

What Is a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis happens when a person’s actions or state of mind pose a danger to themselves or others, or when they are unable to care for themselves or function in daily life.

While ongoing mental health challenges, such as depression oranxiety, can persist over time and often requirelong-term treatment, a mental health crisis represents a sudden and severe escalation of symptoms. It demands immediate attention and may need emergency intervention.

The Texas State Plan for Suicide Prevention emphasizes that early intervention during these moments is critical to reducing harm and saving lives. It also highlights that crises may not always be easily visible and can take different forms across individuals, communities, and age groups.

The Cleveland Clinic describes one form of crisis, often referred to as a “nervous breakdown,” as a period when an individual becomes temporarily unable to function due to overwhelming stress or emotional distress. While not a medical diagnosis, it can include signs such as:

Difficulty performing daily tasks
Sudden withdrawal from others
Extreme mood swings or panic attacks
Inability to concentrate
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or out of control

These episodes may signal an underlying mental health condition, but are primarily characterized by their urgency and disruption of everyday life. Recognizing them as crisis points can be a crucial step in getting the right kind of help.

Common Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

Identifying the indicators of a mental health crisis can help prevent severe outcomes. While symptoms vary across individuals, specific patterns are common in the lead-up to or during a crisis. These signs often involve noticeable changes in behavior, mood, thinking, or physical health and can appear suddenly or intensify over time.

1. Talking About Suicide or Self-Harm

One of the most critical warning signs is when someone says they want to die or mentions feeling like a burden. Statements such as “I can’t go on” or “Everyone would be better off without me” should be taken seriously.

In some cases, individuals may begin seeking out methods to harm themselves, such as researching weapons or medications. These behaviors indicate an urgent crisis and require immediate attention.

2. Extreme Mood or Behavior Changes

Sudden and intense changes in emotional state can signal a mental health crisis. A person may quickly shift from feeling calm to angry, or from withdrawn to unusually energetic, without any clear cause. Some may become visibly agitated or display uncharacteristic aggression, while others might seem emotionally flat or disconnected. These fluctuations may feel unpredictable or confusing to those around them.

3. Withdrawal or Isolation

Someone experiencing a mental health crisis may begin pulling away from friends, family, and social activities. They might cancel plans, avoid communication, or seem uninterested in previously enjoyable activities. Long periods of time spent alone, especially when uncharacteristic, can signal emotional distress and a possible worsening of mental health.

4. Loss of Daily Functioning

A person may find it challenging to carry out everyday responsibilities such as getting out of bed, preparing meals, attending work or school, or maintaining personal hygiene. They might miss appointments or deadlines, or seem generally disengaged from routine tasks. In some cases, their ability to function may decline so significantly that basic self-care becomes unmanageable.

5. Delusions, Hallucinations, or Disorientation

Some individuals may begin seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations), or hold firm beliefs that are clearly untrue or paranoid in nature (delusions). They might appear confused, unable to focus, or speak in a way that doesn’t make sense. These symptoms may indicate a loss of connection with reality, often referred to as psychosis, and typically require urgent mental health evaluation.

6. Substance Abuse or Risky Behavior

A noticeable increase in alcohol or drug use can be a sign of self-medicating during emotional distress. Others may engage in risky behaviors, such as unsafe sex, reckless driving, or impulsive spending, without considering the potential consequences. These actions may indicate a lack of control or disregard for personal safety, which can escalate during a crisis.

7. Changes in Sleep or Eating Patterns

A person may sleep far more than usual or experience severe insomnia. Likewise, eating habits may shift drastically, leading to significant weight loss or gain. These changes often go hand-in-hand with feelings of restlessness, fatigue, or a general lack of energy and can be early signs of emotional overload or depression.

8. Statements of Hopelessness or Worthlessness

When someone frequently expresses feelings of hopelessness, such as saying “What’s the point?” or “Nothing will ever get better,” it’s important to take those words seriously. They may also show signs of intense guilt, self-blame, or say they feel like a burden. Persistent low self-esteem and self-criticism are often linked to depressive episodes or crisis states.

9. Physical Complaints With No Clear Cause

Mental distress can often show up in the body. Someone in crisis may frequently complain of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation. These are especially common in children and teens, who may have difficulty expressing emotional struggles directly.

10. Giving Away Belongings or Saying Goodbye

In some cases, a person preparing for suicide may begin giving away personal items, writing a will, or making final arrangements. They might say goodbye to others in a way that feels unusually formal or final. Concerning posts on social media or private messages can also signal intent. These are serious red flags that immediate support is needed.

When to Take Action

It’s important to remember that even just one or two of these signs, especially if they are new, intense, or worsening, can signal a potential mental health crisis. If someone is expressing suicidal thoughts, showing signs of disorientation or psychosis, or appears unable to care for themselves, the safest response is to seek help right away.

What to Do If You or Someone You Know Is in Crisis

The first thing that needs to be done is to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis, but knowing how to respond is just as important. If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health emergency, acting quickly and appropriately can save a life.

If There Is Immediate Danger

When someone is immediately likely to hurt themselves or others, call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency room. When you need to call 911 for a mental health emergency in Austin, be sure to clearly request a Mental Health Officer or Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), which are trained in handling mental health emergencies.

You can also contact Integral Care, Austin’s local mental health authority, at 512-472-HELP (4357). Their 24/7 helpline offers immediate support and can dispatch Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams to your location when necessary.

If the Situation Is Serious But Not Life-Threatening

Not all crises involve immediate risk, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. If you’re unsure what to do, you can:

Reach out to a direct primary care, school counselor, or trusted family member to begin the process of support.
Encourage the person to speak with a mental health provider or schedule an urgent same-day appointment, if available.

What to Say (and What Not to Say)

When speaking with someone in crisis, stay calm, listen closely, and avoid judgment. You can say:

“You’re not alone. I’m here for you.”
“I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. Do you want to talk?”
“It’s okay to ask for help; there are people who can support you.”

Avoid saying things like:

“Just get over it.”
“You have so much to be happy about.”
“Other people have it worse.”

These responses may minimize their pain and make them feel even more isolated.

Don’t Leave the Person Alone

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, stay with them or make sure they are not alone until help arrives. Take away anything they could use to hurt themselves, like guns, sharp items, or medicines, if it is safe for you to do so.

Local Support and Inpatient Care

Austin State Hospital (ASH) is one of the city’s key mental health facilities for those needing structured, short-term inpatient psychiatric care. Our goal is to stabilize individuals in crisis and support a safe return to community-based care.

Located at 4110 Guadalupe St., Austin State Hospital has served as a cornerstone of mental health care in Texas for over a century.

Consider Crisis Planning for the Future

Individuals who have recurrent mental health crises may find it helpful to make a crisis plan with their care team. The strategy should include recommended contacts, medications, early warning signs, and what to do in a crisis.

Conclusion: Support a Loved One in Crisis

Anyone can have a mental health crisis at any time, in any community, and it’s not always easy to recognize at first. But no one should have to face it alone.

Knowing the warning signs, acting quickly, and connecting with trusted local resources can make a life-saving difference. Even just checking in with someone, offering to call a helpline with them, or staying present during a tough moment can be the first step toward recovery.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are key resources in Austin, TX, and nationwide:

Integral Care 24/7 Helpline (Austin): 512-472-HELP (4357)
For immediate mental health support and mobile crisis outreach.
Austin State Hospital:
Short-term, inpatient psychiatric services for children, adolescents, and adults.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Free, confidential support 24/7 across the U.S.
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
Text-based support for any mental health concern, any time.

In addition to hospitals and hotlines, community organizations in Austin also provide essential mental health services, peer support, therapy, and crisis intervention. Many work directly with underserved populations, youth, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and families in crisis.

If you found this information helpful, please share this blog with others or bookmark it for future reference. You never know when it might help someone take that first step toward getting the care they need.

Stay Connected

Mental health education and support doesn’t stop here. We regularly share helpful tips, local resources, and upcoming events focused on community well-being and crisis prevention.

Follow us on Facebook andInstagram for more updates and mental health awareness content.

You can also check out our upcoming events and initiatives to support mental health advocacy in Austin on our website. Whether you're looking for support, want to volunteer, or stay informed, we're here for you, and we're glad you're here.

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Overdose Awareness: The Link to Substance Use and Mental Health

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Substance use and mental health are closely connected because each condition can increase the risk of developing the other, and treating them together produces more stable outcomes than addressing them separately, yet this connection is still widely misunderstood. This guide is for patients, families, and community members who want a clear, general understanding of why these two issues so often occur together and what kind of support actually helps. It does not replace medical advice; if you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a healthcare provider or the crisis resources listed at the end of this piece. What Is Overdose Awareness and Why Does It Matter? Overdose awareness efforts exist to reduce the stigma , silence, and misinformation that often surround substance use, particularly when a mental health condition is also involved. Awareness alone doesn't prevent every overdose, but it does make people more likely to recognize warning signs and seek help earlier. Overdose Prevention Awareness Overdose prevention awareness typically focuses on recognizing risk factors, understanding that relapse can increase overdose risk, and knowing where to turn for support before a crisis develops. Community education plays a meaningful role here, especially in reducing the shame that keeps people from asking for help. Understanding the Link Between Substance Use and Mental Health The relationship between these two areas runs in both directions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health , many people with substance use disorders also experience conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, and people with mental health conditions face a higher risk of developing substance use problems. Neither condition is simply a symptom of the other. Environmental stress, trauma, and genetic factors can contribute to both, and each condition can worsen the other if left unaddressed. What Are Co-Occurring Disorders? Why Accurate Diagnosis Takes Time Mental health professionals who deal with co-occurring disorders, often referred to as a "dual diagnosis", describe a situation where someone experiences both a substance use disorder and a separate mental health condition at the same time. Diagnosing this accurately can take time, since symptoms of one condition can mask or mimic the other. Effective care typically addresses both conditions together rather than treating them separately. Integrated treatment, which combines mental health and substance use support in one coordinated plan, tends to produce more stable outcomes than treating each issue in isolation. In practice, integrated treatment might include a psychiatrist and a substance use counselor working from the same treatment plan, shared notes between providers, and consistent check-ins that monitor both conditions at the same time. Without that coordination, a patient might receive medication for depression while an untreated substance use issue continues to interfere with that medication's effectiveness. How Substance Use Affects Inpatient Psychiatric Patients The Treatment Challenges Clinicians Face Substance use disorder and psychiatric care intersect often in inpatient settings, since patients admitted for a mental health crisis sometimes have an undiagnosed or untreated substance use issue underneath. Austin State Hospital screens for and addresses both conditions during a patient's stay. You can learn more about the hospital's approach to patient care on our hospital overview page . Substance use can also complicate psychiatric treatment directly, since it may interfere with medication effectiveness or mask symptoms that clinicians need to see clearly in order to diagnose and treat a patient properly. The Role of Community in Overdose Prevention and Mental Health Recovery Clinical treatment addresses the medical side of recovery, but community support fills a different, equally important role. Consistent, nonjudgmental contact from family, friends, or others reduces isolation, which is one of the strongest predictors of relapse for someone managing a co-occurring condition. Community involvement doesn't require special training. Simply showing up, listening without judgment, and encouraging someone to stay connected to treatment can meaningfully improve their odds of long-term recovery. For someone managing a dual diagnosis, that might look like a family member driving them to a weekly outpatient appointment, a friend checking in by text every few days, or a staff person at a hospital enrichment program providing a consistent, low-pressure connection during treatment. If you're looking for practical ways to help, our How You Can Help page outlines specific options. Mental Health and Substance Use Resources in Austin, Texas Finding Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Texas Dual diagnosis treatment that Texas patients need is available through several local providers, though access and wait times can vary depending on insurance and location. Integral Care , the local mental health authority for Travis County, offers crisis services, outpatient care, and coordinated treatment for co-occurring conditions. Recovery Resources for Austin Residents Austin TX residents working on mental health recovery often pursue benefits from combining clinical treatment with community resources, including support groups and nonprofit programs that fill gaps standard treatment doesn't always cover. Texas Health and Human Services also maintains a statewide directory of mental health and substance use services that can help patients and families identify programs available in their county, including options for those navigating dual diagnosis treatment for the first time. If you have questions about finding the right starting point, our contact page can help point you in the right direction. How Friends of ASH Supports Substance Use and Mental Health Recovery in Austin For over 70 years, Friends of ASH has partnered with Austin State Hospital to fund the programs that support patients through every stage of their treatment. Friends of ASH supports patients at Austin State Hospital, including those managing a co-occurring substance use and mental health condition, by funding enrichment programs such as art therapy, Pet Partners therapy dog visits, recreational activities, and holiday events that extend beyond standard clinical care. This support doesn't replace treatment, but it does help patients stay engaged and connected throughout their recovery. None of this work happens without community involvement and donations. You can see exactly how contributions are used on our donation page . Support Patients at Austin State Hospital If you want to help patients at Austin State Hospital access the programs and community connections that support their recovery, there are direct ways to get involved. Visit our How You Can Help page to explore volunteer and community support options, or go to our donation page to fund the enrichment programs that make a real difference. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the connection between substance use and mental health? Substance use and mental health conditions frequently occur together, and each can increase the risk of developing the other. Shared factors like trauma, stress, and genetics often contribute to both. 2. What is a co-occurring disorder? A co-occurring disorder, sometimes called a dual diagnosis, describes having both a substance use disorder and a separate mental health condition at the same time. Treating both together tends to lead to more stable outcomes than treating them separately. 3. How does substance use affect people with serious mental illness? Substance use can worsen psychiatric symptoms, interfere with medication effectiveness, and make accurate diagnosis more difficult. It can also increase the risk of hospitalization or relapse if left unaddressed. 4. What overdose prevention resources are available in Austin, Texas? Integral Care serves as the local mental health authority for Travis County and offers crisis services and treatment referrals. Dual diagnosis treatment that Texas patients can access locally includes coordinated care for both substance use and mental health conditions. SAMHSA's National Helpline (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) 1-800-662-4357) is also available nationally, 24/7, for anyone seeking treatment information or support. 5. How can community support help someone with a dual diagnosis? Consistent, nonjudgmental contact from family, friends, or others can reduce isolation and help someone stay connected to treatment. Community involvement doesn't replace clinical care, but it plays a real role in long-term stability. That involvement includes supporting financially so that programs that address dual diagnosis needs get funded. Key Takeaways Substance use and mental health conditions often occur together, and treating them as connected issues generally leads to better outcomes than treating them separately. A co-occurring disorder, or dual diagnosis, requires careful screening since symptoms of one condition can mask the other. Substance use can complicate psychiatric treatment by interfering with medication effectiveness or masking symptoms clinicians need to see clearly. Community support, including simple consistent contact, meaningfully reduces the isolation that contributes to relapse. Local resources like Integral Care and national resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) are available for anyone seeking treatment information or immediate support.

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