Experiencing a mental health crisis
What to do if you are experiencing a mental health crisis
I’m experiencing a mental health crisis
A mental health crisis often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing a mental health crisis or feeling very distressed, it is important to get urgent help as soon as possible.
- If you have been given a Crisis Line number from a health professional, call it.
- If you are under the care of a mental health team and have a specific care plan that states who to contact when you need urgent care, follow this plan.
- You can call the free NHS helpline: Mental Health 111 (Option 2). Call 111 and select Option 2. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free to call from a mobile (even when the caller has no credit left) or from a landline. You will be provided with immediate support over the phone to help you cope with how you are feeling and, if needed, a referral to mental health services will be arranged.
- You can also contact your GP surgery and ask for an emergency appointment. In a crisis, you should be offered an appointment with the first available doctor.
- Or call the Samaritans. Samaritans is free and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. If you want to talk to someone in confidence, call them on 116 123.
- Or click here to find other helplines and text lines There are a wide range of services offering free professional support available right now to help keep you safe.
If you or someone you know are in need of urgent help, it's an emergency.
If you are unable to keep yourself safe, it is an emergency. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as physical health emergency. You are not wasting anyone’s time. Please seek help.
Quick links to mental wellbeing support and resources
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