Workplace Crisis Response: Supporting Mental Health Emergencies at Work
What would you do if someone at your workplace was going through a mental health crisis? Would you know what to say, how to help them, or where to turn for support? Mental health emergencies can happen anywhere, including at work, and how you respond can make a massive difference.
You may be scared of saying the wrong thing or making everything worse. Yet early support and compassionate help matter most when it comes to emotional crises.
Many workplaces benefit from clear, compassionate protocols and procedures for use in these situations because a supportive response can reduce the risk of harm and help keep employees safe.
This guide can help you understand how to respond to a workplace mental health crisis, as it covers:
- What a mental health crisis is.
- How to support coworkers in mental health crises.
- What HR and employers can do to support employee mental well-being.
- Where to find professional support and guidance.
What Is a Mental Health Emergency at Work?
A mental health emergency, sometimes called a “mental health crisis”, happens when someone becomes so emotionally overwhelmed that it impacts their safety, the safety of others, or their ability to function.[1]
This might look like someone considering suicide, self-harming, having a psychotic episode (such as hearing voices, seeing things, or feeling paranoid), or experiencing extreme panic attacks.[2]
What Causes a Mental Health Emergency?
Many different things can contribute to a mental health emergency at work. Some examples of these situations include:[1][3]
- Home stressors, such as relationship breakdowns, trauma, or grief.
- Workplace stressors, like worrying about deadlines, discrimination, or chronic low morale.
- Other stressors, including medication changes, upcoming court dates, or online harassment.
Recognizing Signs of a Mental Health Crisis in the Workplace
Many of us like to keep our home lives separate from our work lives. This means that a person could be dealing with a number of challenges at home but still put their “game face” on at work to avoid awkward conversations.
The signs of a nervous breakdown developing aren’t always seen at work until the emergency suddenly hits. Some of the signs of a mental health emergency that you may be able to notice in the workplace include the following:[1][3][4]
Emotional Warning Signs:
- Extreme anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Low mood
- Hopelessness
- Rapid mood swings
Behavioral Indicators:
- Persistently missing work, meetings, or deadlines
- Constantly moving or fidgeting in a way that’s unusual for them
- Avoiding socializing with colleagues
- Harming themselves
- Talking about feeling trapped, hopeless, or suicidal
- Having angry outbursts
- Making threatening or abusive comments
- Risk-taking behavior
Physical or Cognitive Symptoms:
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Seeming confused or finding it difficult to concentrate
- Hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
- Paranoia, suspicion, or an extreme distrust of others
People experiencing these symptoms at work deserve compassion and support. This is why having a workplace mental health crisis response plan in place is so important. Knowing what to do in these emergencies can help you feel more confident about supporting someone.
The following sections guide you through how to handle mental health emergencies at work.
How to Handle a Mental Health Emergency at Work
Knowing how to respond to a mental health emergency at work can help protect employees’ safety and well-being.
If your organization has a workplace mental health crisis response plan, and someone is having a psychological crisis, this is the time to use it. Otherwise, here are some practical steps you can take to support a colleague in emotional distress.
Step 1: Assess Safety and Urgency
If your colleague seems to be in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others, emergency support is needed. In this case, call 911. They can advise you on what to do or send emergency personnel to help.[1]
If it’s safe for you to do so, stay with the person experiencing emotional distress. However, if there is a risk of violence or harm, it may be more appropriate for you to leave them and the immediate area, while encouraging colleagues to follow you.
If your colleague is not in immediate danger, you could suggest they call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) for immediate support, or call 988 yourself for further guidance.[1]
Step 2: Stay Calm
Try to stay calm, even if the situation feels upsetting or overwhelming. Your calm approach can help your colleague feel calmer, too.[5] Deep, controlled breathing may help in the moment.
Step 3: Find a Safe and Quiet Space
Moving to a quieter and safer space can make a real difference when handling a mental health emergency. So, you might want to move your colleague to a private office, breakroom, or quiet corner if possible.[1][6]
However, ask them before moving them anywhere because forcing someone to relocate may make them feel more distressed.
Step 4: Listen Without Fixing
You don’t have to be a therapist, an expert, or have all the answers to support someone who is distressed. One of the most impactful things you can do is simply listen.[5]
Let them talk honestly and listen to them patiently without judgment. Focus on supporting them rather than trying to “fix” the situation.
You can do this by being empathic, caring, and understanding. Sometimes, talking and being heard is what’s needed to help a person start to calm down.[1][7]
You may also want to ask them direct, relevant, and compassionate questions. For example, “Is there anything we can do to help you feel safer right now?” or, “Are you thinking about suicide or hurting yourself?” if they’ve previously mentioned it.[1]
Step 5: Provide Comfort and Support
A mental breakdown can feel overwhelming, scary, and lonely, so reassurance and calm support can go a long way.[5]
Some tips for providing comfort and support to someone in these difficult times include:[1]
- Speaking calmly.
- Validating their feelings.
- Asking simple, clear questions.
- Being patient and nonjudgmental.
Step 6: Know What to Do When Help Arrives
When the professional mental health support arrives, try to talk to them before they speak with your colleague. That way, you can let them know that your colleague is experiencing a mental health emergency and any immediate safety concerns.[1]
Step 7: Look After Yourself
Supporting someone through an emotional crisis may also have a knock-on effect for your own well-being, which is why it’s crucial to look after yourself. You might find that talking to someone you trust, taking extra breaks, or asking for support helps.[5]
Mission Connection is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
Supporting Employees After a Mental Health Crisis
A mental health emergency at work doesn’t end once the immediate crisis has passed. Ongoing employee mental health crisis support plays an important part in helping a person feel safe and respected while they recover.
Returning to Work After a Mental Breakdown
Returning to work after a nervous breakdown may feel overwhelming for some employees. For instance, they may:
- Still be recovering.
- Need flexibility as they adjust back into their usual work routines.
- Require some time off for follow-up medical appointments.
In some cases, workplace accommodations, such as a temporary change in duties or a phased return to work, can help reduce stress and make the return easier.
Employees may also worry about what to expect when they come back into the workplace. For example, they might:
- Wonder what their colleagues think of them.
- Worry about how much information was given out about why they were off work.
- Dread being asked about what happened.
This is why it’s so important to respect a person’s privacy and make sure they don’t feel pressured to share personal details that they don’t feel comfortable with.
Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture
Supporting employees in crisis also means creating a workplace culture where people feel safe enough to ask for help before they reach a breaking point. This can be promoted by reducing stigma around mental health, encouraging open and supportive conversations, being respectful when talking to others, and avoiding gossip or speculation.[8][9]
There are also other practical ways to help make work a supportive environment. Some examples of supportive workplace practices include:
- Allowing flexible scheduling where possible.
- Having mental health check-ins.
- Offering employee assistance programs (EAPs).
- Providing workplace wellness resources.
A supportive workplace can help make recovery feel less isolating and encourage employees to seek support when they need it most. In many cases, managers receiving mental health training can go a long way towards promoting each of the factors involved in creating this type of environment.
HR and Employer Responsibilities During a Mental Health Emergency at Work
Employers and human resources (HR) teams play an important role in a psychological emergency at work. They can help protect safety, reduce distress, and connect employees with appropriate support.
The following sections explore the part that employers and HR have in managing mental health crises.
Prioritizing Safety and Well-being
When it comes to mental health emergencies at work, the first priority should always be safety, rather than restoring productivity or reducing workplace disruptions. If an employee is in severe emotional distress, employers should respond with privacy, professionalism, and care.[1]
This might involve contacting the emergency services if someone’s safety is at risk, or moving the employee to a quieter, less overwhelming space to help them feel calmer.
It’s also crucial to follow the organization’s established HR mental health crisis protocols, which may include reaching out to designated workplace support staff.
Having Clear Workplace Mental Health Policies
Having workplace mental health policies in place can help reduce confusion when it comes to high-stress situations; it helps employees know what to do and how to feel supported.
These policies should include details that clearly let your staff know:
- Who to contact during a crisis.
- What support and resources are available.
- How confidentiality will be handled.
- When emergency interventions may be necessary.
Many companies also offer mental health first aid workplace training, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and corporate mental health safety plans to help their workplace respond more effectively in emergencies.
Above all else, employees in emotional crises should be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion rather than being judged or punished. A mental health emergency requires urgent support, just the same as a physical medical emergency.
Reach Out to Mission Connection for Workplace Mental Health Support
A mental health emergency can happen in any workplace, and the way you respond to these crises can make a real difference to the safety and outcomes for the person in distress. Being prepared with mental health policies and mental health first aid training, and having empathy, all play an important role in making sure someone receives the support they need.
Here at Mission Connection, we understand that mental health affects everyone differently. That’s why we offer a range of treatment approaches to help people access the right level of support. We offer:
- Intensive outpatient programs.
- Partial hospitalization programs.
- Outpatient services, such as online therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-focused therapies.
Additionally, Mission Connection is Joint Commission-accredited, the gold standard of quality and safety in healthcare. We accept insurance and are in-network with most major insurance providers.
To find out more about our locations or how we can support you, call us at 866-833-1822. You can also reach out to us online. Our caring team is available 24/7 to help you take the next step in your healing journey.
