Want to help a friend facing a mental health crisis? Here are some suggestions: 1. Keep talking. Call or text, let them know that you're thinking about them, or send a picture or an emoji. Connection is the most important thing. 2. Go help. Don't assume they need space. Isolation can feel like abandonment and make things worse. Can you take over a casserole, clear the yard or sidewalk, mow the lawn, drop off some groceries? Great. 3. Learn more. Find information about what they're facing. Knowledge raises trust and acceptance and builds a larger circle of support, for better outcomes. 4. Change your tune. Words matter. Think hard before using terms like 'loony bin' or other off-the-cuff comments. They can hurt. Try: "I hear you." 5. Don't try to fix it. Keep advice to yourself. Your job is friend, to listen and support. 6. Be patient. A mental health crisis, diagnosis, or journey is rarely over soon. Take the slow path, together.