018 Supporting someone in a mental health crisis
Episode 18 of the Healing After the Hard Stuff with Anna Parker-Naples podcast, hosted by Anna Parker-Naples, titled "018 Supporting someone in a mental health crisis" was published on March 12, 2026 and runs 10 minutes.
March 12, 2026 ·10m · Healing After the Hard Stuff with Anna Parker-Naples
Summary
Following her conversation with Shari Thompson, Anna shares practical reflections on supporting someone through a mental health crisis. Speaking from lived experience rather than clinical expertise, she explores how to show up steadily when someone you care about is struggling.Why professional support should be sought where possibleThe importance of listening rather than fixingHow to “sit in the mud” with someone without getting pulled underWhy “reach out if you need me” isn’t always enoughBeing specific and proactive in your supportRegulating your own nervous system while helping someone elsePresence Over SolutionsOften, someone in crisis simply needs to be heard. Reflect their experience back to them without escalating or trying to immediately solve it.Proactive Support MattersInstead of broad check-ins, ask specific questions. Instead of waiting for permission, take gentle action. Consistency helps someone feel less alone.Put Your Oxygen Mask On FirstSupporting someone can dysregulate you. Slow your breathing. Lengthen your exhales. A calm nervous system allows you to think clearly and show up steadily.Follow Links:Find out about the Nervous System Regulation Coach Certification here:https://www.influentialbreathwork.com/regulationFollow Anna Parker-Napleson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaplesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples
Episode Description
Following her conversation with Shari Thompson, Anna shares practical reflections on supporting someone through a mental health crisis. Speaking from lived experience rather than clinical expertise, she explores how to show up steadily when someone you care about is struggling.
Why professional support should be sought where possible
The importance of listening rather than fixing
How to “sit in the mud” with someone without getting pulled under
Why “reach out if you need me” isn’t always enough
Being specific and proactive in your support
Regulating your own nervous system while helping someone else
Presence Over Solutions
Often, someone in crisis simply needs to be heard. Reflect their experience back to them without escalating or trying to immediately solve it.
Proactive Support Matters
Instead of broad check-ins, ask specific questions. Instead of waiting for permission, take gentle action. Consistency helps someone feel less alone.
Put Your Oxygen Mask On First
Supporting someone can dysregulate you. Slow your breathing. Lengthen your exhales. A calm nervous system allows you to think clearly and show up steadily.
Follow Links:
Find out about the Nervous System Regulation Coach Certification here:
https://www.influentialbreathwork.com/regulation
Follow Anna Parker-Naples
on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaples
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples
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