The kindness of acquaintances is important when recovering from a mental health crisis

‘These people aren’t meant to matter in a crisis, it’s too complex for them, too knotty and too personal. They’re not close enough and they shouldn’t be involved – how embarrassing.’ Photograph: skynesher/Getty Images

Leading up to a severe mental health crisis, and at its apex, a patient hopefully becomes cocooned in intensive support: from a spouse, immediate family, perhaps close friends and a core team of medical professionals.

Those closest bear the brunt of the trauma. They’re usually the ones hiding the knives in the family home, ensuring a medication regime is adhered to, trying to minimise substance abuse and calling the police if things get out of hand.