How to help someone de-escalate a mental health crisis?
How to help someone de-escalate a mental health crisis?
By Rachel Pereira, Young Persons’ Programme Neurodiversity Specialist
1. Stay Calm and Grounded
Your energy sets the tone. Speaking gently and staying composed, even if the person is panicking or lashing out will automatically make the person feel calmer.
At the café, I often guide guests through my favourite grounding techniques the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise: name five things you see, four things you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This helps bring them back into the present moment. I do that along with some breathing exercises and occasionally play music from the client’s favourite artists.
2. Reassure Them They’re Not Alone
Saying simple phrases like “You’re not alone” or “We’re here for you” are incredibly powerful. Sometimes when words fail us, showing up with a warm presence can speak volumes. Phrases such as “calm down” or “you’re overreacting.” These tend to shut people down rather than help them feel heard.
3. Ask What They Need
If you know the person, you may also know of things that can help calm them down. If not, you can ask: "Is there anything that helps when you feel like this?" or "What do you need right now?"
I have often noticed that simple things like fidget toys, cold water, weighted blanket, favourite choice of drink, an object in their favourite colour etc. can help put the client at ease.
4. Contact The Crisis Team if Needed
If the person has a care team or support worker, reach out to them. They may have a clear crisis plan in place.
If not, and the situation feels urgent, don’t hesitate to call NHS 111, your local mental health crisis line like our Sunshine Recovery Café 020 85404023, or emergency services if someone is at immediate risk.
5. Gently Signpost Support
Once they’re calmer, it’s okay to suggest support. I often say something like, "The Sunshine Recovery Café is here if you’d like a space to talk and feel safe."
Whether it’s connecting with a GP, therapist, or local mental health charity, helping someone take the next step matters.
Rachel Pereira, Young Persons' Programme Neurodiversity Specialist
If You're Visiting the Sunshine Recovery Café for the First Time...
By Mary Fairclough, Sunshine Recovery Cafe Manager
If you’re feeling anxious about attending the service for the first time, please give us a call. One of our staff members will talk you through how to access the café and reassure you about what to expect. Just making that phone call can be the first step in giving yourself encouragement to come in and talk.
When you arrive, you’ll be offered a hot drink of your choice and given a safe, quiet space. You’ll have the opportunity to speak openly about what’s on your mind, no judgment, just a listening ear. Saying your thoughts and feelings aloud can help release some of the pressure and bring emotional relief.
Staff will listen, offer compassionate support, and help signpost you to services that might meet your needs such as the Coral Team or other relevant support providers.
Once you are calmer, we would ask you to complete a registration with us so that you can continue to receive support from us whenever you need it.
Some of the ways you can engage with is by taking part in the various groups that we offer at the café. The groups include art group, neurodiversity group, women’s group, men’s group, boxing group, piano group, gaming group, and a movie night. Apart from groups, we also provide one-to-one support, which can be accessed simply by walking into the café and requesting for a chat with any staff member on duty to support you with your presenting situation.
We also offer various other services such as the Health and Well-being Service, Young Persons Service (18-25), Neurodiversity Service, Veterans Service, Suicide Prevention Services, The CDARS’s Adult Adoptee Circle, and the Substances & Alcohol Recovery Programme. Once you have registered with the café and wish to join any of the above service, talk to a member of the staff and a referral can be made.
Mary Fairclough, Sunshine Recovery Cafe Manager