How do I get help in a mental health crisis?
If you feel very distressed and fear you might not be able to keep yourself safe, please use the contact numbers below:
GP – Contact your local GP and ask for an emergency appointment.
111 – Out of GP hours, they can help you find the support you need.
999 – If you feel yourself to be in immediate danger or have harmed yourself.
Go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department (A&E). You can search for your local department through the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk
National Helplines
Samaritans
Phone: 116 123 (24 hours, free to call)
Website: www.samaritans.org
SANEline
Phone: 0300 304 7000 (6pm to 11pm)
Website: www.sane.org.uk
Mind
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)
Website: www.mind.org.uk/help/advice_lines
Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday)
Website: www.rethink.org
Phone: 0808 808 4994 (11am to 11pm, free to call)
Website: www.themix.org.uk
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Support for men
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to Midnight, daily)
Papyrus – Support for people under 35.
Phone: 0800 468 4141 (10am to 10pm, Monday to Friday; 2pm to 10pm, Weekends; 2pm to 5pm, Bank holidays)
Text: 07786 209697
The Silver Line – Support for older adults.
Phone: 0800 470 8090 (24 hours)
Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk
What if I’m worried about someone else?
If you’re worried about someone then try to get them to talk to you. Do not worry about having any answers, just listening to what someone has to say and taking their concerns seriously can be helpful.
The Samaritans website has advice for starting a difficult conversation:
https://www.samaritans.org/difficultconversations
The Rethink website has advice for supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts:
If you would like to get in touch with me please go to the contact page here.