Recognize what makes this moment difficult
Acknowledge the event directly without turning it into a lesson, comparison, prediction, or silver lining. For a message about how to support someone experiencing burnout, use this factual base: reflect what the person has told you, any immediate concern, and the practical context without diagnosing them.
Offer support that can be accepted
Offer one specific form of practical or emotional support and make clear that no immediate reply is needed. Offer one manageable form of support and ask directly about safety when you have a serious reason to worry. Make the immediate next step clear enough that the recipient can answer without reconstructing the entire history.
Follow their pace rather than yours
Do not shame, threaten, promise secrecy about imminent danger, or make yourself the only source of help. If someone may harm themselves or another person, contact local emergency or crisis services and a trusted nearby person now. The recipient decides whether they want conversation, ordinary company, practical help, professional support, or quiet.