If you are here because you are scared for someone you love right now — this page is for you.
You do not need to read all of it. You need to know what to do.
If they are in immediate danger
Call 911 or your local emergency services now. If they have a weapon, if they are actively harming themselves, if there is immediate physical danger — this is an emergency and emergency services are the right call.
If they are expressing intent to harm themselves but are not actively in the act: stay with them if it is safe to do so. Call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or have them call. Take them to the nearest emergency room.
Do not leave someone in acute crisis alone if you can avoid it.
If you are scared but the danger is not immediate
Call 988 — you can call on behalf of someone else and get guidance on what to do. They will help you assess the situation and figure out next steps.
Do not try to manage a serious safety situation alone. This is the moment to involve more people — another family member, a mental health professional, emergency services if it escalates.
What you are feeling right now is valid
Fear for someone you love is one of the hardest things to carry. The fact that you are here, trying to figure out what to do, matters.
Take one step at a time. The most important step right now is making sure they are safe.