Get help if you're in crisis or need extra support
You may be ‘in crisis’ if you feeling extremely overwhelmed and distressed to the point that you are struggling to make it through each day and/or night. You may be starting to feel like you’re out of options and you may be having suicidal thoughts, or just wishing that you didn’t exist so that you didn’t feel so terrible. Due to the nature of our work therapists or counsellors are unable to be on call in crisis situations. Thankfully, there are organisations who can offer more immediate support and we’ve provided the details below should you need it either as a prospective client waiting to start sessions, or as an existing client in between sessions. You may also wish to visit our resources section in case there are any tools available that may practically help you cope in the short term.
NHS Mental Health Services
Even though you hear on the news about the NHS being overstretched, if you're really struggling don't hesitate to reach out to someone. You are deserving of support just like anyone else. The sooner you take action (whether it's with the NHS, friends/relatives, or other organisations) the better.If it’s an emergency call 999
- Call 999 or go to A&E now if you are concerned that your life is at risk – for example, if you have seriously injured yourself or have taken an overdose
- or if you do not feel you can keep yourself safe
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.
NHS urgent mental health helpline
NHS urgent mental health helplines are for people of all ages. You can call for:
- 24-hour advice and support – for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for
- help to speak to a mental health professional
- an assessment to help decide on the best course of care
To access the details, you need to follow the steps given on their website. For more information click here.
Call 111 or visit 111 online
Get advice from 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if:
- you are not able to speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline
- you need help urgently for your mental health, but it’s not an emergency
- you’re not sure what to do 111 will tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.
You may be able to speak to a nurse, or mental health nurse, over the phone.
A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services.
Helplines
If you urgently need someone to talk to, there are a number of helplines available in the UK, some open 24/7, 365 days a year.Samaritans Phoneline – (open 24/7)
Whatever you’re going through, call the Samaritans free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. Samaritans are trained to listen to people in distress. When you call, your number isn’t displayed to the volunteer, and you don’t have to give your name if you don’t want to. For more information click here.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK (open 24/7)
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (open 24/7). Click here for more info.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you are struggling and need to talk. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service. Click here for more info.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK
If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email [email protected] or text 07786 209 697.
Saneline
You can leave a message on 07984 967 708 giving your first name and a contact number, and one of their professionals or senior volunteers will call you back as soon as practicable. You can also email them at [email protected], and they will respond as soon as possible. They are normally open every day of the year from 4.30pm to 10.30pm on 0300 304 7000. This number is currently unavailable. You can find more details by clicking here.
Helplines Partnership
If you’d like more specialised support, you could try the Helplines Partnership which is a directory of helplines for different issues or groups of people Their help may not be immediate but could give you the practical support you need.
Reach out to people you know
Friends or family
People often hold back from confiding in friends and family because they don’t want to be a burden to them, or are afraid of being judged. However just having contact with someone who is understanding, kind or even funny can break up the day, and make you feel less isolated. Walking and talking with someone side by side can feel less intense than sitting directly opposite someone, or you could try sending a message.
Colleagues at work, or employee schemes
Mental health awareness has vastly improved over the years, so people at work may be more understanding of your situation, and many more may have been through similar struggles themselves. Understandably there may be concerns about confidentiality at work, but you may be able to share just enough with a trusted colleague to get some support without making yourself feel vulnerable. It’s also worthwhile checking what benefits your organisation provides. Some provide access to counselling helplines through employee schemes or insurances, which you can call for free if you need immediate support.