Advocating for an adult family member or friend in a mental health crisis: Your rights and your role (Making Families Count)

Summary

This information is for families and friends of an adult who is experiencing a mental health crisis.   

It can be frightening seeing someone you love in a mental health crisis. Your voice is crucial.   

You can describe what you are seeing, what has changed, what worries you and what you believe may happen if nothing changes.  

Professionals bring clinical expertise. Families bring expertise of knowing the person. Keeping people safe and helping their recovery requires both. 

If you are with someone in a mental health crisis you have the right to ask for help to keep the person safe. It’s OK to keep asking and negotiating until you feel confident that appropriate support is in place. 

This guide from Making Families Count will help you feel more informed, more confident, and less alone.