How can I support someone in psychological crisis?

Dave Burke  |  Features
Date posted:  10 Oct 2025
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How can I support someone in psychological crisis?

Source: ChatGPT

Colin sat on the edge of his seat in my office, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for something. Then he said: “I know this is going to sound weird but it’s true. I was watching TV this morning, and the announcer gave me a message to pass on to you today."

The message from the newsreader was nonsense, and I began to suspect that Colin was experiencing psychosis; he was a bit delusional, and his thought processes pretty scrambled.

The necessity of a plan

Every church needs a plan to help people experiencing a psychological crisis. Over the years I have supported people having suicidal thoughts, who have self-harmed, and many having panic attacks. Colin and I were having a calm conversation, and he was in control of himself. Others were clearly a danger to themselves or others. When someone is in crisis, we need to know what to do.

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