Resources for Helping in an Emotional Crisis

Practicing compassionate mental health first aid in an emergency can save a life.

Most of us likely have a first aid kit somewhere in our home. In it, you might find bandages, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, and other things you might need in an emergency medical situation. But what if the health emergency is mental or emotional instead of physical? Mental health first aid is emergency care for someone's emotional and mental well-being and can save lives.

What is an Emotional Crisis?

An emotional crisis is when a person’s healthy coping mechanisms are no longer working. It is a highly unpleasant emotional state that can be subjective and personal. Its severity can range from mild to life-threatening. A crisis should always be taken seriously and responded to as quickly as possible.

Signs of an Emotional Crisis

When a person is in a state of emotional crisis, you might see or hear the following:

  • Extreme agitation, anxiety, or panic
  • References to or threats of suicide, or other types of self-harm
  • Feeling or expressing hopelessness or helplessness
  • Visible marks or injury on body from self-harm or assault
  • Disorientation, confusion, loss of contact with conventional reality
  • Reports of increase in substance use
  • Problems in academic performance
  • Change in typical habits or behavior
  • Problems or loss in personal relationships
  • Withdrawal from relationships or increases in isolative behaviors

In an Emergency

On-Campus Emergencies

If you have determined the person is in crisis and is at risk of harming themselves or another, this is an emergency. For any emergency on campus, please contact the Office of Safety and Security at (585) 385-8111. During the academic year, there is an on-call counselor who may be contacted to assist in assessing the urgency of the situation. This individual is accessible through the Office of Safety and Security.

Off-Campus Emergencies

For off-campus emergencies, calling 911 is the best way to get help. You can call the Office of Safety and Security as well for any off-campus emergency. 

Within the greater Rochester area, Lifeline, or 211, is a resource. Through 211, you can also make a referral to the Rochester Mobile Crisis team. For details about what this team can provide, visit the Rochester Mobile Crisis Team website.

What if I am unsure if it is an emergency?

It is OK to believe a situation is urgent and seek help even if someone else deems it is not an emergency.

If you are unsure and are looking for guidance during our regular business hours of Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., please consult with the Health and Wellness Center at (585) 385-8280 and ask to speak to the director/crisis counselor on call.

The Office of Safety and Security is a resource for after-hours and can be contacted at (585) 385-8025.

988 is a 24-hour phone service and resource that can help an individual in crisis or offer guidance on how to assist someone. A counselor will speak to you either through a phone call or text message. 

Ways to Help Someone in Crisis

Talk to the person in private and express concern for their wellbeing.

  • Be specific regarding the behavior that concerns you.
  • Listen without judgment to their concerns.
  • The student or person in crisis may have an established connection to support them. You could ask:
    • Do you have a connection to a counselor or another support?
    • What do you think might be helpful for you right now?
    • Would you like my help to get connected to a counselor?
  • If the student agrees to a counselor at the Health and Wellness Center, offer to call with them or help them make an appointment through their Patient Portal. Some students prefer to make their own contact, but a distressed student may appreciate your assistance. The Health and Wellness Center phone number is (585) 385-8280.
  • If the person in crisis does not accept a referral and it is not an emergency situation, try not to take it personally. Accepting help tends to be a process. One strategy is to ask how you might support them going forward and check back in at another time.

Reporting a Concern

Fisher’s community cares for one another, and any concerns about a Fisher student may be submitted through the Cardinal Concern form below. The Fisher Care Team will review the information and develop an appropriate response to the concern.

Submit a Cardinal Concern