How to help a person in a state of severe stress

The person talks about harming themselves, is disoriented, cannot give their name or location, threatens to harm others, cries or screams – all these can be signs of severe stress (more about them here).

These signs are natural and may change over time. Some people may have longer and more intense reactions. In the extreme circumstances, this is normal, but it can cause the person to stop functioning normally. What can be done to help?

1. Safety above all else! Make sure that your interlocutor and other people are not in danger.
2. Tell the person that you want to help them. If necessary, introduce yourself.
3. Keep calm. Do not yell at the person or physically restrain them.
4. Be patient and convince the person that you are ready to listen to them (how to listen correctly, read here). However, do not force talking.
5. Offer a quiet place to talk, a soft drink or a blanket – these acts of care will give a sense of security. Ask about the person’s needs – don’t assume you know it by yourself.
6. Give the person back the sense of control over the situation. If the person is anxious, offer them breathing exercises. If the person has lost their sense of connection with reality, remind them where they are, the day of the week and who you are. Ask the person to name things that are in the immediate surroundings: “Tell me what do you hear?”, “Name what stands next to you”.
7. Help with the information – tell the person where and what kind of help they can get. Make sure you are understood. Ask if the person has any additional questions.
8. Try not to leave the interlocutor alone. If you cannot be there, find a trusted person (colleague, friend) who can take care of the person until you find help or until the person calms down.
9. Seek the specialized help. Don’t try to do more than you can handle (learn about the Circles of Control).

Allow the professionals (psychologists, doctors, nurses) to help. Connect the person directly to the service they need or make sure they have contacts and clear instructions on how to get further help.

Read here the tips on how to support the person experiencing the severe stress at the distance.

* Based on the WHO Guide (the name of the adapted Guide is being clarified).