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Mental Health Emergency Information

Seeking support can be challenging. This page explains key mental health terms and concepts to help you gain a better understanding of mental illness and available resources.

Our data highlights the most common mental health emergencies reported across the United States and specifically in Chicago, helping to inform crisis response and public awareness efforts.

Common Mental Illnesses and Symptoms In Illinois

Understanding mental health conditions is crucial for recognizing when you or someone you care about may need support. Here are the most common mental illnesses in Illinois and their symptoms:

1
Depression

Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless for weeks or months can signal depression. Other signs include sleeping too little or too much, losing interest in things you enjoy, or changes in appetite.

  • Acute Symptoms: Sudden sadness, loss of motivation, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Subacute Symptoms: Several weeks of low energy, poor sleep, or appetite changes.
  • Chronic Symptoms: Ongoing depressed mood, fatigue, and loss of interest lasting months or years.
2
Anxiety

Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but constant worry, restlessness, racing heart, or panic attacks can mean an anxiety disorder.

  • Acute Symptoms: Panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness.
  • Subacute Symptoms: Several weeks of tension, worry, and muscle tightness.
  • Chronic Symptoms: Persistent, long-term worry, fear, or avoidance behaviors.
3
Bipolar Disorder

This condition causes strong mood shifts—high energy or excitement (mania) followed by deep sadness or fatigue (depression).

  • Acute Symptoms: Intense manic or depressive episode lasting days or weeks.
  • Subacute Symptoms: Several weeks of mood swings, changes in sleep, or activity levels.
  • Chronic Symptoms: Recurrent cycles of mania and depression throughout life.
4
Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

These illnesses affect how people think and see the world. Symptoms can include hearing or seeing things that aren't there, confusing thoughts, or withdrawing from others.

  • Acute Symptoms: Sudden onset of hallucinations, delusions, or confusion.
  • Subacute Symptoms: Weeks or months of disorganized thinking or speech.
  • Chronic Symptoms: Long-term difficulty distinguishing reality, social withdrawal, and reduced motivation.
5
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People with OCD have unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feel the need to repeat certain actions (compulsions) to ease anxiety.

  • Acute Symptoms: Sudden distressing intrusive thoughts or urges to perform rituals.
  • Subacute Symptoms: Ongoing repetitive behaviors or mental rituals over several weeks.
  • Chronic Symptoms: Persistent obsession-compulsion cycles lasting months or years.
6
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can follow a traumatic event and cause nightmares, flashbacks, or strong reactions to reminders.

  • Acute Symptoms: Immediate shock, nightmares, or intense distress right after trauma.
  • Subacute Symptoms: Recurring flashbacks, anxiety, or avoidance lasting weeks to months.
  • Chronic Symptoms: Long-term hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and intrusive memories over years.
7
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD often involves intense emotions, unstable relationships, fear of being abandoned, and impulsive actions.

  • Acute Symptoms: Sudden mood swings or self-harming behaviors.
  • Subacute Symptoms: Weeks of unstable emotions and impulsive decision-making.
  • Chronic Symptoms: Long-term emotional instability and difficulties maintaining relationships.
8
Substance-Use Disorders

These occur when someone struggles to control their use of alcohol or drugs, even when it causes harm.

  • Acute Symptoms: Short-term intoxication, withdrawal, or overdose episodes.
  • Subacute Symptoms: Several weeks of misuse affecting daily functioning.
  • Chronic Symptoms: Ongoing dependence or addiction that recurs over time.
In Illinois, nearly 4 in 10 adults (38.5%) reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in 2021, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Illinois). Over 400,000 adults in the state live with a serious mental illness.

(Source: https://www.namichicago.org/)
Understanding Mental Health Terms

These terms help explain different types of symptoms and levels of care you might encounter when learning about mental health support.

Symptom Categories
1
Acute Symptoms

These appear suddenly and are usually severe but short-term. People often need immediate help or crisis care to stay safe and stabilize.

2
Subacute Symptoms

These develop more gradually and last longer than acute symptoms—often for several weeks or months. They may need regular therapy or medical support but not emergency treatment.

3
Chronic Symptoms

These are long-lasting or recurring problems that can continue for months or years. Managing them usually involves ongoing care, medication, or lifestyle support.

Institutions
In mental health care, institutions are structured treatment settings such as hospitals or specialized psychiatric centers that provide supervised care and therapy.
1
Inpatient Facilities

Inpatient care means the person stays overnight (or longer) in a hospital or psychiatric facility. It's designed for people who need 24-hour supervision, intensive treatment, or crisis stabilization.

2
Outpatient Facilities

Outpatient care allows people to live at home while receiving therapy, counseling, medication management, or other support during scheduled visits. It's best for those who need regular care but not round-the-clock supervision.

Mental Health Professionals - Who They Are and What They Do

Understanding the different types of mental health professionals can help you find the right support for your needs. Here's a guide to their training, areas of focus, and whether they can prescribe medication:

1
Behavior Analyst (BCBA — Board Certified Behavior Analyst)

Behavior Analysts use behavioral science to help people change habits and patterns that affect their mental health. They design structured, evidence-based plans to reduce anxiety-related behaviors, manage stress, and support addiction recovery or healthy coping routines.

  • Education:Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis + supervised fieldwork + BCBA certification exam
  • Treatment Focus:Behavior modification, coping skill development, habit change programs
  • Can prescribe medication:No
  • Source:Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
2
Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)

Clinical Psychologists are doctorate-level professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat emotional and mental health disorders. They provide therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction using research-supported approaches.

  • Education:PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology + internship + state license
  • Treatment Focus:Talk therapy (e.g., CBT, DBT), psychological testing and assessment
  • Can prescribe medication:No (except in a few U.S. states with additional training)
  • Source:American Psychological Association (APA)
3
Occupational Therapist (OT)

Occupational Therapists help people manage the daily impact of mental illness on their work, self-care, and routines. They focus on improving function, structure, and balance in everyday life to support recovery.

  • Education:Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy + fieldwork + state license
  • Treatment Focus:Daily-living skills, stress management, activity planning, sensory regulation
  • Can prescribe medication:No
  • Source:American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
4
Professional Counselor (LPC or LCPC)

Professional Counselors provide talk therapy to help individuals, couples, and families address emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and substance use.

  • Education:Master’s degree in Counseling (or related field) + supervised clinical hours + state license
  • Treatment Focus:Psychotherapy, coping skills, stress reduction, relapse prevention, crisis counseling
  • Can prescribe medication:No
  • Source:American Counseling Association (ACA)
5
Psychiatrist (MD or DO)

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and provide therapy for mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or addiction.

  • Education:Medical degree (MD or DO) + 4-year psychiatry residency + board certification
  • Treatment Focus:Medication management, psychotherapy, integrated treatment for complex cases
  • Can prescribe medication:Yes
  • Source:American Psychiatric Association
6
Clinical Social Worker (LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Clinical Social Workers provide therapy, counseling, and connections to community resources. They help individuals and families manage challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance use, with a focus on both emotional well-being and social support.

  • Education:Master of Social Work (MSW) + supervised clinical hours + state license
  • Treatment Focus:Psychotherapy, case management, advocacy, and coordination of care
  • Can prescribe medication:No
  • Source:National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Top Types of Mental Health Emergency Calls

Common crisis-related mental health situations that often lead to emergency calls or urgent intervention. (Click the labels like Acute / Subacute / Chronic to jump to definitions above.)

1
Suicidal Ideation or Suicide Attempts

Active attempts (e.g., overdose, cutting, hanging) and verbal threats of self-harm are among the most common emergency calls.

2
Acute Psychosis

Involves hallucinations or delusions that cause unsafe or erratic behavior, often leading to emergency response.

3
Severe Anxiety or Panic Attacks

Symptoms such as chest pain, hyperventilation, or feelings of impending doom often prompt 911 or ER visits.

4
Severe Depression

Includes inability to function, neglect of self-care, or catatonic symptoms that compromise safety.

5
Substance Use & Intoxication with Mental Health Crisis

Overdoses (intentional or accidental), drug-induced psychosis, or severe withdrawal symptoms are frequent causes of calls.

6
Violent or Aggressive Behavior Related to Mental Illness

Calls may involve threats to others or aggression due to paranoia, mania, or intoxication.

7
Acute Mania (Bipolar Disorder)

Unsafe impulsivity, disorganized activity, or aggressive behavior during manic episodes.

8
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Crisis

Flashbacks, dissociation, or severe hyperarousal resulting in unsafe actions.

9
Cognitive Impairment–Related Behavioral Disturbances

Dementia-related aggression, wandering, or confusion requiring intervention.

10
Non-Specific Behavioral Disturbances / Welfare Checks

Reports of individuals behaving erratically or family concerns about sudden mental decline.

Key Facts About Mental Health Crises in the U.S.

Since the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline started in July 2022, millions of people have reached out for mental health help. The numbers below show what’s happening nationwide:

1
How many people reach out

About 16.5 million people have contacted 988 through calls, texts, or chats since it began.

2
Monthly average

Each month, around 500,000 to 600,000 people contact 988 for support.

3
Emergency involvement

Only about 3.5% of all calls need police or emergency medical help. For more serious situations, this goes up to 6.3%, and for calls about suicide, it’s around 15%.

4
Hospital visits for suicidal thoughts

About 40 out of every 10,000 people go to the emergency room each year because they’re having suicidal thoughts.

5
How common suicidal thoughts are

Each year, 4–5% of adults think about suicide, and about 15% say they’ve had these thoughts at some point in their lives.

6
Hospital mental health visits

Of all mental health–related emergency visits, 0.6% are for suicide attempts and 4.5% are for suicidal thoughts without an attempt.

Sources: KFF (988 contact totals & monthly volume)  |  CDC NCHS Data Brief (ED visits for suicidal ideation)
Most Common Types of Mental Health Crisis Calls in the U.S.

People contact crisis hotlines or visit emergency rooms for many different mental health reasons. Here's an overview of the most common types of calls and how often they happen:

1
Suicidal Thoughts or Plans
  • The most common reason people reach out to 988.
  • About 4–5% of all mental health emergency visits involve suicidal thoughts or planning.
2
Feeling Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Depressed
  • Makes up about 30–40% of all crisis hotline contacts.
  • These calls often come from people who feel hopeless or emotionally exhausted but are not in immediate danger.
3
Suicide Attempts or Self-Harm
  • Less common but very serious.
  • About 0.6% of emergency room mental health cases involve a suicide attempt or self-inflicted harm.
4
Substance Use or Intoxication-Related Crises
  • Often tied to alcohol or drug use that worsens mental distress.
  • Frequently appears in EMS and emergency department data.
5
Severe Mental Breaks (Psychosis, Hallucinations, or Delusions)
  • Less common but high-risk situations.
  • Often requires hospital care or specialized intervention.
6
Aggressive or Violent Behavior
  • Involves threats or harm toward others.
  • Common in 911 and EMS calls and often requires immediate response.
7
Other Crises (Memory Loss, PTSD, or Relationship Conflicts)
  • Includes issues like dementia-related confusion, trauma, or severe family stress.
  • Make up about 10–15% of hotline contacts.
Chicago Mental Health Crisis Response Overview

Chicago has several programs and systems in place to handle mental health emergencies, including the CARE Program and Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT). The data below shows how often these teams respond and what types of calls they handle.

1
CARE Program Responses
  • Since September 2021, CARE teams have answered over 1,500 mental health–related 911 calls.
  • These teams include mental health professionals instead of police officers.
2
Arrests and Use of Force
  • No arrests were made by CARE teams.
  • Force was used in less than 0.1% of all calls — showing a focus on de-escalation and care.
3
Average Call Volume

CARE teams respond to about 60 mental health calls each month in the districts where the program operates.

4
Behavioral Health–Related 911 Calls

Chicago receives about 175 behavioral health–related 911 calls every day.

5
Health or Low-Level 911 Calls

About 18% of all 911 calls involve mental, physical, or behavioral health concerns rather than crimes.

6
Police-Initiated Hospitalizations

Cases where police took someone to a hospital against their will rose from 1,764 in 2023 to 2,319 in 2024 — an increase of more than 30%.

7
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Calls

The Chicago Police Department handles about 58,656 CIT-eligible calls every year — roughly 160 per day.

8
“Check Wellbeing” Calls

Police recorded over 67,000 welfare checks, where officers were asked to make sure someone was safe.

Common Types of Mental Health Calls in Chicago

Here’s a summary of the main types of mental health and behavioral crisis calls handled in Chicago:

1
General Mental or Behavioral Health Issues (Non-Violent)
  • Make up about 18% of all 911 calls in the city.
  • Usually involve emotional distress or someone needing mental health support.
2
Suicide Threats, Attempts, or Welfare Checks

Around 126,000 calls per year are related to suicidal concerns or requests to check on someone’s wellbeing.

3
Substance Use or Overdose

Many of these calls are now managed by Chicago’s Opioid Response Team, which focuses on treatment and recovery support instead of arrest.

4
Behavioral Disturbances or “Mental Health Disturbance” Calls

These situations are often handled by CARE teams trained in de-escalation, crisis response, and connecting people to mental health services.

5
Involuntary or Forced Hospitalizations

Police- or EMS-led hospitalizations for mental health crises have increased by about 30% year over year.

Other Resources

Other Resources
Specialized mental health resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, homeless populations, maternal health, and students in the Chicago area.

LGBTQIA+ Mental Health
Veteran Mental Health
Homeless Mental Health
Maternal Mental Health
University/Student Mental Health

Take a Moment: Self-Help Techniques

1 of 4

If you're feeling overwhelmed, try one of these self-help exercises to help you relax and return to the present moment:

5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Grounding

Use your five senses to anchor yourself in the present moment:

5
Things you can see — Look around and name five things in your environment
4
Things you can touch — Notice the texture of four objects around you
3
Things you can hear — Listen carefully and identify three sounds
2
Things you can smell — Find two scents, even subtle ones
1
Thing you can taste — Notice any taste in your mouth or take a sip of water

Box Breathing

A calming breathing technique used by athletes and military personnel:

1
Breathe in — Slowly inhale through your nose for 4 counts
2
Hold — Hold your breath gently for 4 counts
3
Breathe out — Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 counts
4
Hold — Hold your breath gently for 4 counts
↻
Repeat — Continue this cycle for 2–5 minutes

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding for Anxiety

A variation that helps interrupt anxious thoughts:

5
Acknowledge — Name 5 things you can see around you
4
Touch — Touch 4 things and notice their texture
3
Listen — Acknowledge 3 things you can hear right now
2
Smell — Notice 2 things you can smell (or favorite scents)
1
Positive — Say one positive thing about yourself

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Release tension by systematically tensing and relaxing muscle groups:

1
Feet & Legs — Tense for 5 seconds, then release and notice the difference
2
Stomach & Chest — Tense your core muscles, then let go completely
3
Arms & Hands — Make fists and tense your arms, then release
4
Shoulders & Neck — Raise shoulders to ears, hold, then drop and relax
5
Face — Scrunch facial muscles tight, then release all tension
Take slow, deep breaths throughout these exercises. You are safe. You are here.