By Nancy Virden (c)2026 AlwaysTheFight.com

Preparation for any potential crisis is a good idea, but how often do we plan for a mental health crisis? They happen to an astounding number of us each year. No one is immune.

A mental health crisis could be anything that removes one from normal functioning to struggling to function. Intensity and duration also help to define a crisis. Crisis states are typically characterized by intense emotions, self-criticism, and a pessimistic outlook.

For the sake of this blog, I am going to refer to suicidal crises. If we have been there before, we need to know our likely triggers, our warning signs and emotions, what our body may do, and the thoughts that accompany those times when we are in danger of hurting ourselves. When we are aware of these triggers, we stand a good chance of interrupting the cycle and avoiding crises altogether.

1. Pay attention: What is the first symptom you tend to recognize in a downward spiral? For me, it is negativity and anger. We can interrupt the process at this time with professional intervention, social support, honest conversation, taking care of our needs such as sleep and eating right, or prayer. A focus on forgiveness and worship can play a healthy part here, too. By catching it early, we strengthen our resiliency muscles.
2. Watch for it: What events tend to cause you to overthink, or feel at a loss? I can tell when I begin to feel trapped in a less-than-desirable situation that my mood is sinking. This too can be interrupted by taking a hard look at my attitude, pursuing options, and talking it out. Gratitude plays a part here, too. Stress, receiving frightening news, breakups, family conflict, financial issues, being judged or negatively teased, and spending time alone are all soil for a suicidal crisis to grow.
3. Name your emotions: Perhaps anxiety is your big overarching emotion when you are heading for a crisis. Perhaps it is depression. Name how you feel and tell someone who will not judge. Hurt, angry, desperate, guilty, hopeless, and helpless are all emotive terms that may describe what you experience. Sudden mood changes as well as any of the above are good reasons to call for professional help. Keep the suicide prevention lifeline number (988) in your phone and in your wallet.
4. What is your body doing? Drained energy, frozen inside, emotionally paralyzed, feeling empty, constantly tired, crying, tension, and aches and pains can be signs of need for rest and help. No one can reach out to you unless you tell them how you feel. Changes in weight, decreased performance at work or school, and sleep changes can be warning signs that you need help.
5. Weigh your decisions: Have you been acting recklessly? Are your inhibitions compromised? Are you injuring yourself or involved in risky behaviors? Ignoring personal hygiene and withdrawal from normal activities add up to a mind heading for crisis. Interrupt this downward cycle by telling someone who will hold you accountable. It is time for professional intervention.
6. Do not dismiss your thoughts: Thoughts of defeatism such as, How did I get here? I am not going to get through this. I’m done. Not again. This will not end. There is nothing to live for; these are serious signs of suicidal crisis. Please do not dismiss them as nothing, because these are not typical responses to life’s stressors. Recognize your need for help and protection. Go to your emergency room or call 911. I went to the ER in April for just this reason and received the help I needed before the crisis became full-blown. You can do it too.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 91:1-2

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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