[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/Purple-Tulips-1920.jpg” title_text=”Purple-Tulips-1920″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”How to Help Someone in Distress” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Everyone struggles with mental health sometimes. If you know someone who is struggling, it’s only natural to want to help them.<\/p>\n
But it can be hard to know where to start and what to say. <\/p>\n
In this guide, you’ll learn about the signs and get step-by-step prompts for starting a conversation about mental health.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Signs of Distress” admin_label=”Distress Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Overall, changes in personality, mood, performance, actions, or habits<\/strong> can signal that a person is struggling with mental health. <\/p>\n Here are some specific examples to watch out for:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Things You Can Do To Help” admin_label=”Helping Dos Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In general, here are some things to do help someone through a tough time:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Step by Step Guide” button_one_text=”It’s an Emergency” button_one_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/project\/how-to-help-someone-in-distress\/#emergency” button_two_text=”Download this Guide (PDF)” button_two_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/How-to-Help-Someone-in-Distress.pdf” admin_label=”Fullwidth Header” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Step 1: Start the Conversation” admin_label=”Step 1 Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Here are some ways you could start a conversation with someone you are concerned about:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Step 2: Questions to Better Understand” admin_label=”Step 2 Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Encourage the person to open up and help you better understand what’s going on:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=bZwsUqc7o1w” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Step 3: Is This an Emergency?” content_max_width=”100%” admin_label=”Step 3 Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You can directly ask these questions:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”Yes Accordion” module_id=”emergency” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Yes, it’s an Emergency” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n First, try to stay calm yourself. It’s a good sign that they trust you enough to tell you they have thoughts of hurting themselves or others.<\/p>\n Some things you can say are:<\/p>\n Give them 24\/7 Emergency Crisis Resources.<\/strong><\/p>\n Check back with the person at a later date:<\/strong> \u201cHow have things been going since we last talked?\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”24\/7 Emergency Resources” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n If it is an emergency, please do not hesitate to call 911.<\/strong><\/p>\n Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota Great Rivers 2-1-1 Crisis Text Line National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Steve Fund<\/strong> (Support for Young People of Color) The Trevor Project<\/strong> (Support for LGBTQIA+)<\/p>\n Advocacy Center of Winona<\/strong> (Support for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence) [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”No Accordion” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”No, They are Ok For Now” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n You are not concerned about immediate safety<\/strong>, but you can see that they are having a difficult time and could use some support.<\/p>\n It’s a good idea to simply ask: \u201cHow can I best support\/help you right now?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Work the Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n Make a Plan and Take Action<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Give the person\u00a0the Mental Health Information, Support and Crisis Resources<\/strong> handout and consider making a written plan of action<\/p>\n Check back with the person at a later date:<\/strong> \u201cHow have things been going since we last talked?\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Resources Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are many counselors in the Winona and the surrounding communities who can help support your mental health needs. Please note this list is not exhaustive.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”WSU Resources” admin_label=”WSU Resources Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Winona Counseling Options” admin_label=”Winona Counseling Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”La Crosse Counseling Options” admin_label=”La Crosse Counseling Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Rochester Counseling Options” admin_label=”Rochester Counseling Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Austin Counseling Options” admin_label=”Austin Counseling Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Websites about Mental Health” admin_label=”Websites Blurb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Everyone struggles with mental health sometimes. If you know someone who is struggling, it’s only natural to want to help them. But it can be hard to know where to start and what to say. 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Is the\u00a0person\u00a0behaving in a threatening or violent manner?<\/h4>\n
Are you worried about the person’s safety?<\/h4>\n
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<\/strong>Call 1.844.CRISIS2 (1.844.274.7472)<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Call 1.800.362.8255<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Text \u201cHOME\u201d to 741741<\/p>\n
<\/strong>1.800.273.TALK (8255)<\/p>\n
Text \u201cSTEVE\u201d to 741741<\/p>\n\n
Call 507.452.4453<\/p>\n\n
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Mental Health Support & Resources<\/h2>\n
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