Short answerIf someone is distressed or experiencing beliefs you do not share, arguing may make communication harder. Try to stay calm, acknowledge how frightened or upset they feel and pause if either of you is becoming more worked up.
If they're in danger right now: call 999. Urgent but not life-threatening? Call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option - you can call about someone else, any time.
Do this now
- Acknowledge the feeling without agreeing with the belief. "The tiredness sounds miserable. Can we talk to the doctor about that part?"
- Deal with one issue at a time. Speak slowly and keep your voice down when things become heated.
- Pause if the pressure is rising. Return to the conversation when both of you are calmer.
Sources: Mind
Mind's psychosis guidance and its paranoia guidance explain how to take the person's distress seriously without pretending to share a belief.
Acknowledge the feeling, not the belief
You can recognise that someone feels frightened or unsafe without saying that you agree with what they believe. Avoid dismissing or mocking their experience.
You can set limits
Staying calm does not mean accepting shouting, threats or abuse. You can end the conversation and return to it later. If you feel frightened or controlled, see the anger and safety guide.
And you?
Trying to stay calm all the time is tiring, and you will not always manage it. Support for you can help.
Here for Someone is an independent information project. The communication guidance on this page is based on the linked Mind pages.
Sources checked: 27 August 2026
← All guides