Experts wish more people spotted the signs earlier: feeling overwhelmed, not feeling \u201clike yourself,\u201d shifts in sleep, behavior and mood.<\/p>\n
The United States has a mental health problem, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show. More young people, especially girls<\/a>, are reporting poor mental health<\/a>. And while the national suicide rate fell slightly in 2024, it did so from one of its highest levels ever reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mental health crises can happen abruptly or build to a tipping point over time. They can be fueled by a sudden loss or traumatic event, personal or societal upheaval, underlying health conditions, or any combination of factors.<\/p>\n Whatever the cause, experts say the best thing to do is to spark a conversation as early as possible and connect to a broader support system.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n EDITOR\u2019S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n Recognize the signs of a crisis<\/p>\n Mental health professionals say what constitutes a crisis varies from person to person. But there are some key signals that could indicate someone is struggling, and they can be subtle at first.<\/p>\n \u201cMy crisis might not be your crisis, but what we do know is that \u2014 however people define crisis \u2014 there is a change in how they\u2019re feeling, a change in how they\u2019re behaving,\u201d said Dr. Theresa Miskimen Rivera, president of the American Psychiatric Association.<\/a><\/p>\n Crises can start as someone feeling depression or anxiety but not quite being able to pinpoint the cause, Miskimen Rivera said.<\/p>\n Other signs can include:<\/p>\n This article is part of AP\u2019s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. Read more Be Well.<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Not enjoying or engaging in things they used to like.<\/p>\n \u2014 Engaging less socially.<\/p>\n \u2014 Sleep irregularities.<\/p>\n \u2014 Decreased hygiene.<\/p>\n \u2014 Increasing use of alcohol or drugs.<\/p>\n \u2014 Extreme mood swings.<\/p>\n \u2014 Talking about being a burden on others.<\/p>\n \u2014 Feeling hopeless, wanting to die or kill themselves, having no reason to live.<\/p>\n If you see these changes, it\u2019s time for a conversation, experts say.<\/p>\n Prepare for the conversation<\/p>\n Crisis intervention experts recommend taking a moment to do some research and prepare before jumping into a conversation with someone in crisis. <\/p>\n Tips and resources can be found on the websites of organizations including the National Alliance on Mental Illness<\/a>, The Trevor Project<\/a>, the American Psychological Association<\/a> and 988<\/a>, the U.S. mental health crisis hotline. You can also call, text or chat with 988 to get guidance on how to start a conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cWe get more than 10 million calls, chats and texts a year, and a lot those are actually people just looking for resources for someone in their life that\u2019s struggling,\u201d said Tia Dole, who oversees the lifeline.<\/p>\n How to have the conversation<\/p>\n