Steady: Crisis Plan & Printables

A fill-in family crisis plan, a “when you call 911” card, verse cards, and a four-week family support group guide. Fill in the plan when things are calm, and keep copies on the fridge, in your phone and in the car.

Our Family Crisis Plan

Fill this in together while things are stable, if your loved one is willing.

Name
Date of birth
Diagnosis
Allergies
Medications and doses
Psychiatrist / prescriber & phone
Therapist / case manager & phone
Pharmacy & phone
Preferred hospital
Early warning signs
What helps
What makes it worse
Who to call first
Who cares for kids / pets
Emergency: 911 (ask for a CIT-trained officer) · Crisis line: call or text 988 · NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 · Local mobile crisis: ______________________

Cards

Cut along the dashed lines.

When you call 911

  • Say: “This is a mental health crisis.”
  • Ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained officer.
  • Share the diagnosis and any weapons in the home.
  • Say whether your loved one is armed or has threatened harm.
  • Meet officers calmly, hands visible, if it’s safe.

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · STEADY

In the moment

  • Stay calm. Speak slowly and simply.
  • Give space. Don’t block exits.
  • Don’t argue with delusions. Acknowledge feelings.
  • Lock up firearms, medications and sharp objects if safe.
  • Protect children first.

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · STEADY

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.”

Psalm 34:18

He is near to us, even here.

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · STEADY

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”

Romans 15:13

Hope is reasonable.

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · STEADY

Four-week family support group guide

For church care teams or family support groups. About 60 minutes. Keep everything confidential, use first names only, and let anyone pass. This guide supports, but doesn’t replace, professional care.

Week 1 · Seen

Read: Genesis 16:7–13; Psalm 34:18

  1. What part of caring for your loved one feels most invisible?
  2. Where have you felt God near, or far?
  3. What do you wish your church understood?

Practice: Pray for each family and loved one by first name.

Week 2 · Faith and treatment

Read: Matthew 9:12; Colossians 4:14; 1 Kings 19:3–8

  1. Have you heard mental illness described as demons, sin or weak faith? How did it affect you?
  2. What does Elijah’s story teach about God’s care for body and mind?
  3. What helps your loved one stay in treatment?

Practice: Thank God together for doctors, nurses and pharmacists.

Week 3 · Burdens and boundaries

Read: Galatians 6:2–5; Luke 5:15–16

  1. What are you carrying that isn’t yours to carry?
  2. What boundary do you need?
  3. How do you rest?

Practice: Each person names one boundary and one way they’ll rest this week.

Week 4 · Grief and hope

Read: John 11:32–36; Romans 15:13

  1. What are you grieving?
  2. What still gives you hope?
  3. Has your family made a crisis plan? What would help you finish it?

Practice: Pray Romans 15:13 over every family represented.

Between sessions, use the free 7-Day Walk and share the Steady Hub. NAMI also offers free Family-to-Family classes in many areas.