It’s okay not to be okay. We know there are times when we all need to ask for help and it’s important to know that you don’t have to carry this alone.
Whether you are living with cancer, supporting a loved one, or simply feeling overwhelmed, your mental health matters.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, there is a community of people ready to listen and support you. Here is how you can find help right now.
How to get help for someone in a mental health crisis
Sometimes, the weight of everything feels too heavy, and you just need a friendly, non-judgmental ear. When you need someone to talk to, you can contact these free services, anonymously, whenever you need them
Samaritans
−You can call the Samaritans at any time, day or night.
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Call: 116 123
Website: samaritans.org
Mind
+Mind are a mental health charity providing supportive services. You can contact them 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday
Call: 0300 102 1234
Website: Mind.org.uk
Crisis Text Line
+Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line® in the UK that provides free, confidential support, 24/7 via text.
SMS: Text SHOUT to 85258
Helping someone else with their mental health
It can be incredibly worrying to see someone you care about in distress. Your presence and compassion can make a world of difference.
– Stay calm and listen: You don’t need to have all the answers; just being there is enough.
– Encourage professional help: Gently suggest they contact their GP or one of the helplines above.
– Stay with them: If you believe they are at immediate risk, stay with them and help them contact emergency services.
If you aren’t in crisis now but are worried you might be in the future, it can help to create a safety plan. This includes noting down your triggers, your coping strategies, and the numbers of people you trust.
What to do in a mental health crisis
If you are in immediate danger and if you feel you might hurt yourself or someone else, or if you have already taken steps to self-harm, please treat this as a medical emergency. You are not a burden, and you are not wasting anyone’s time.
You can:
– Call 999 immediately
– Go to your nearest A&E department if it is safe for you to travel
Ask for help: If you don’t feel able to do this alone, please reach out to a friend, family member, or neighbour to help you make the call or get to the hospital.
If it’s not an immediate danger
If you aren’t sure if it’s an emergency, you can call NHS 111 (England and Wales) or visit 111.nhs.uk. They are available 24/7 to guide you to the right place.
Alternatively, we recommend you request an emergency appointment with your GP. Most surgeries hold slots daily for patients in urgent need.
Don’t suffer in silence, please reach out and ask for help using the contact details above.
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