If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
Crisis Resources & Support
You are not alone. Help is available 24/7. These resources are here for you during difficult times, whether you are in crisis or supporting someone who is.
Immediate Help - Available 24/7
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress
Crisis Text Line
Text-based crisis support for anyone in crisis
When to Seek Crisis Support
Severe Depression
- •Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- •Feeling hopeless or worthless
- •Unable to care for yourself
- •Extreme fatigue or inability to function
- •Isolation from all support
Severe Mania
- •Dangerous or reckless behavior
- •Severe agitation or aggression
- •Complete loss of judgment
- •Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions)
- •Going days without sleep
Mixed Episodes
- •High energy with depressed mood
- •Extreme irritability with suicidal thoughts
- •Rapid cycling between extremes
- •Feeling agitated and hopeless simultaneously
Trust Your Instincts
If you or someone you know is showing any combination of these signs, do not wait. Crisis support is available immediately, and early intervention can prevent a situation from becoming more dangerous.
Bipolar-Specific Support Resources
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Peer support groups and resources specifically for bipolar disorder
International Bipolar Foundation
Education and support for bipolar disorder community
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Mental health support and advocacy
Supporting Someone in Crisis
If someone you care about is in crisis, your support can make a life-saving difference.
What TO Do
- ✓Listen without judgment
- ✓Take all threats of self-harm seriously
- ✓Stay calm and reassuring
- ✓Help them contact crisis resources
- ✓Remove means of self-harm if possible
- ✓Stay with them or ensure someone else can
- ✓Follow up regularly
What NOT to Do
- ✗Don't leave them alone if actively suicidal
- ✗Don't promise to keep suicidal plans secret
- ✗Don't argue about whether life is worth living
- ✗Don't act shocked or judgmental
- ✗Don't try to solve all their problems
- ✗Don't take responsibility for their recovery
- ✗Don't neglect your own self-care
Create Your Safety Plan
A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan to help you stay safe when you are having thoughts of suicide.
Include in Your Safety Plan:
- • Warning signs that crisis may be approaching
- • Coping strategies that work for you
- • People and social settings that provide distraction
- • Family members or friends who may help resolve a crisis
- • Mental health professionals you can contact
- • How to make your environment safe
Your Life Has Value
Crisis is temporary. Recovery is possible. You deserve support, and help is always available.