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'Help I'm in crisis'

How do I get help in a crisis?

If you are upset and having thoughts and urges about hurting yourself, or ending your life then stop, take a deep breath and read this page.

A crisis is any situation in which you feel you need urgent help. For example, you might feel in crisis if:

  • You are having suicidal thoughts and feelings
  • You are having thoughts about harming yourself
  • You have seriously hurt yourself
  • youngminds-logo (1).pngYou have taken more than the recommended amount of tablets (an overdose)

The table below gives some general information on how you can get help in a crisis:

What's happening Ways you can get help
You think you may act on suicidal feelings, or you have seriously harmed yourself
  • You can go to any hospital A&E department and ask for help (if you need to, you can call 999 and ask for an ambulance)
You are feeling extremely distressed, or are experiencing suicidal feelings
  • You can call the Childline on 116 123 (freephone) - they're there to listen to you
  • You can use the 'I need urgent help' tool on the YoungMinds website for more options
  • If you are already in touch with a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) , you can contact them and ask how they can support you - they may have a crisis line you can call
  • You might find it helpful to read YoungMinds' information pages on coping with:
You need medical help or advice fast, but it's not an emergency
  • You can contact your GP and make an appointment for as soon as possible

Let someone know you do not feel safe or are struggling (a parent/carer or professional helpline).

NHS Mental Health Triage Service

The Mental Health Triage Team has a wide range of skills, including on the phone brief psychological support and has access to key services and organisations that can offer mental health support to people in their time of need.

This service can also be also used by GPs and other healthcare professionals, the emergency services, mental health charities and any other organisations that come into contact with people experiencing a mental health crisis.

Remember

  1. There are people who will listen, help and support you through this; it’s ok to ask for help.
  2. Just like stormy weather, strong feelings and urges will pass; it will not always feel this bad.
  3. Thoughts are just thoughts, we do not have to follow them. There are many other ways of managing other than harming yourself.