Navigating a Mental Health Crisis at Work
Mental health emergencies don’t just happen outside of work. They can, and do, happen in the workplace. Yet too often, employees and managers are left without clear steps on how to respond.
Unlike other workplace emergencies, mental health crises require specialized knowledge and understanding of mental health support services. This resource gives you the information and tools to respond with compassion and confidence—whether you’re the one in crisis, a caring colleague, or a leader responsible for supporting your team.
In this Guide, you’ll learn:
- Warning signs that a crisis may be emerging
- Step-by-step guidance for de-escalation and immediate response
- How to support colleagues during and after a crisis
- What HR and leadership can do to prepare for future incidents
- Resources and templates to help create a workplace crisis plan
Built for today’s workplace
The guide includes tips for in-person, hybrid, and remote work settings—because crisis support looks different when your colleague is on a video call versus in the office. It also addresses confidentiality, suicide prevention, and how to care for yourself if you’ve supported someone through a crisis.
Partnership in action
This guide was made possible through NAMI’s long-standing partnership with The Hartford, a StigmaFree partner committed to advancing mental health support in workplaces nationwide. Together, we believe every organization can be prepared to respond to a crisis with empathy, safety, and care.
In crisis:
Need immediate support? Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency information and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or nami.org/help.
