Mental health support

When to seek help

You may benefit from mental health support if you feel persistently low, anxious, frightened, hopeless, numb, angry, overwhelmed, or unable to cope. Other signs may include panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, overeating, drinking or using drugs to cope, withdrawing from people, struggling to work or study, feeling detached from reality, hearing or seeing things others do not, or thinking that life is not worth living.

It is also important to seek help if you are supporting someone else and feel unsure what to do. Family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours, teachers, employers, and carers may notice changes before the person affected feels able to ask for support. You do not have to solve the problem alone. Crisis lines, NHS services, and charities can advise you on how to respond safely and where to turn.

If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide or self-harm, take them seriously. Stay calm, listen without judgement, and encourage them to contact urgent support. If there is immediate danger, call 999. If the person can stay safe for the moment but needs urgent help, contact NHS 111 or a local mental health crisis service. Do not leave someone alone if you believe they are at immediate risk.

Emergency help

Call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life or safety. This may include a suicide attempt, serious self-harm, overdose, severe injury, violence, threats of immediate harm, or a situation where someone is extremely confused, unsafe, or unable to protect themselves.

If you are calling 999 for a mental health emergency, explain clearly what is happening. Say where the person is, whether they are injured, whether they have taken anything, whether there are weapons or other risks nearby, and whether they have a known mental health condition or medication. If you can, stay with the person until help arrives, but only if it is safe for you to do so.

If you are unable to speak safely on a 999 call, follow the operator’s instructions. In the UK, silent emergency procedures may apply, especially from a mobile phone. If you are in danger and cannot talk, try to make it clear that you need emergency help.

Urgent mental health help through NHS 111

For urgent mental health help that is not immediately life-threatening, NHS 111 can help direct you to the most appropriate service. This may include a local crisis team, crisis café, urgent mental health assessment, out-of-hours GP support, emergency department, or another local NHS service. NHS 111 is available by phone, and NHS 111 online can also guide you if you need medical help now.

In England, people in mental health crisis can use NHS 111 to access urgent mental health support. This is helpful if you are not sure who to contact, if your GP surgery is closed, or if you need advice quickly but the situation is not an immediate 999 emergency.

NHS mental health services

The NHS provides a range of mental health services, from GP support and talking therapies to community mental health teams, crisis services, specialist clinics, and hospital care. The best route depends on the urgency of the situation and the type of support needed.

For non-emergency mental health concerns, a GP is often a good first point of contact. A GP can assess symptoms, discuss treatment options, prescribe medication where appropriate, refer you to local mental health services, and help with fit notes or wider health concerns. You can also tell your GP if you are struggling with housing, work, domestic abuse, debt, addiction, caring responsibilities, bereavement, or loneliness, as these issues can strongly affect mental wellbeing.

If you do not have a GP, you may still be able to access some services directly, including NHS Talking Therapies in some areas. It is still a good idea to register with a GP surgery if you live in the UK, because it makes it easier to access ongoing care.

NHS Talking Therapies

NHS Talking Therapies services provide free psychological therapies for adults in England who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or related difficulties. Support may include cognitive behavioural therapy, guided self-help, counselling for depression, online therapy, group therapy, or other evidence-based treatments. Services may be delivered face-to-face, by phone, by video, online, individually, or in groups, depending on local availability and clinical need.

You do not always need a GP referral. In many areas, adults can refer themselves directly to NHS Talking Therapies. NHS guidance says you do not need to have a diagnosed mental health condition to refer yourself for talking therapies for anxiety and depression. If the service is suitable, they will explain what happens next and how long you may need to wait for a first appointment.

Talking therapies may help if you are experiencing anxiety, low mood, panic, phobias, obsessive thoughts or behaviours, health anxiety, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, stress, or depression linked to a long-term health condition. If your needs are more urgent or complex, the service may recommend another NHS route.

Crisis and listening support

Samaritans

Samaritans provides free emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope. You do not have to be suicidal to call. You can contact Samaritans at any time, day or night, from any phone, by calling 116 123 for free. The service offers a confidential space to talk through what is happening and how you are feeling.

Samaritans can be especially useful if you feel overwhelmed, isolated, hopeless, distressed, or unable to talk to people around you. Volunteers listen without judgement. They do not tell you what to do, but they can help you slow things down, explore your feelings, and think about your next step.

Shout text support

Shout offers free, confidential text message support in the UK. Text SHOUT to 85258 to speak with a trained volunteer by text. This can be useful if you are in crisis, feel unable to speak on the phone, are in a public place, are worried about being overheard, or prefer writing things down. Shout describes its service as available anytime, from anywhere in the UK.

Text support can help when emotions feel intense and immediate. A trained volunteer can listen, ask questions, and help you move from a moment of high distress towards a calmer and safer state.

Mind

Mind provides mental health information, advice, and signposting. It is a useful place to learn about symptoms, treatments, legal rights, crisis planning, benefits, advocacy, and support options. Local Mind branches may offer services such as counselling, peer support, workshops, wellbeing groups, housing-related support, or community activities, although availability varies by area.

Mind is not a substitute for emergency services. If there is immediate danger, call 999. If urgent help is needed but it is not a life-threatening emergency, use NHS 111 or local crisis services.

Local crisis services

Many areas have local mental health crisis teams or crisis lines. These services can provide urgent assessment and support for people who are experiencing severe distress or a mental health crisis. Access routes vary. Some crisis teams can be contacted directly, while others are accessed through NHS 111, a GP, A&E, or another NHS professional.

In London, mental health services are organised by local NHS trusts and boroughs. The right crisis service may depend on where you live or where the person in crisis is located. NHS 111 can help direct you to the correct local service if you are unsure.

A&E and urgent treatment

Accident and Emergency departments are available for serious and life-threatening emergencies, including mental health emergencies where someone cannot stay safe. If someone has harmed themselves, taken an overdose, has severe injuries, or is at immediate risk, go to A&E or call 999.

If the situation is urgent but not immediately life-threatening, NHS 111 can advise whether A&E, an urgent treatment centre, a crisis team, an out-of-hours GP, or another service is most appropriate.

Supporting someone else

If you are worried about someone, choose a quiet and safe moment to speak to them. You might say that you have noticed they seem under pressure and ask whether they want to talk. Listen more than you speak. Avoid blaming, minimising, arguing, or trying to force quick solutions. Simple phrases such as “I’m here with you”, “You don’t have to deal with this alone”, and “Let’s find support together” can help.

Ask direct questions if you are worried about suicide. It is okay to ask, “Are you thinking about ending your life?” Asking directly does not put the idea into someone’s head. It can give them permission to talk honestly and can help you understand the level of risk.

If they say yes, ask whether they have a plan, whether they have access to means, and whether they feel able to stay safe. If they are in immediate danger, call 999. If they need urgent help but can stay safe for the moment, contact NHS 111, a crisis line, Samaritans, or Shout.

Try to reduce immediate risks where it is safe to do so. This may include staying with the person, moving to a safer place, contacting someone they trust, or helping them remove access to things they could use to harm themselves. Do not put yourself in danger.

Making a safety plan

A safety plan is a practical list of steps to follow when distress becomes intense. It can be created with a mental health professional, support worker, trusted friend, or family member. A safety plan may include warning signs, coping strategies, reasons to stay safe, people to contact, professional services, crisis numbers, safe places, and steps to reduce immediate risks.

A simple safety plan might include:

• Recognising early warning signs, such as not sleeping, withdrawing, drinking more, panic, racing thoughts, or feeling hopeless.
• Using grounding techniques, breathing exercises, music, walking, showering, writing, or another activity that has helped before.
• Contacting a trusted person and telling them clearly that support is needed.
• Calling Samaritans on 116 123 or texting SHOUT to 85258.
• Using NHS 111 for urgent mental health help.
• Calling 999 if there is immediate danger.

Safety plans should be easy to find. Keep a copy on your phone, in your wallet, or somewhere visible at home. If someone has been in crisis before, it may help to agree in advance what they want others to do if they become unsafe.

Children and young people

Children and young people can also experience mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating difficulties, trauma, bullying, school stress, family problems, loneliness, or suicidal thoughts. If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999.

For urgent but non-life-threatening concerns, NHS 111 can help direct you to appropriate support. A GP, school nurse, teacher, safeguarding lead, local children’s mental health service, or youth charity may also be able to help. Parents and carers should take changes in behaviour seriously, including withdrawal, extreme mood changes, talking about death, self-harm, not eating, not sleeping, panic, aggression, substance use, or sudden decline in school attendance.

Young people may find it easier to communicate by text or online services. However, if there is immediate risk, emergency help is needed.

Mental health and domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can have a serious impact on mental health. Abuse may involve physical violence, threats, emotional control, sexual abuse, stalking, isolation, humiliation, financial control, or coercive control. People experiencing abuse may feel anxious, depressed, trapped, ashamed, confused, or afraid.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. If it is not safe to speak, silent emergency options may be available. Mental health support can help, but safety is the priority. Specialist domestic abuse services can support safety planning, refuge options, legal protection, and practical steps.

You can also read our domestic abuse support page for helplines and guidance.

Mental health and homelessness

Homelessness, unsafe housing, sofa surfing, eviction, and rough sleeping can worsen mental health and make it harder to access care. If someone is at immediate risk, call 999. For urgent housing help, contact the local council’s homelessness service or emergency out-of-hours number. Mental health crisis support may also be available through NHS 111.

When someone is homeless and distressed, practical support and emotional support are both important. Help may include contacting the council, a homelessness charity, a GP, NHS 111, a crisis team, or emergency services depending on the risk.

See also our homeless support services page.

Work, benefits, and financial stress

Money worries, debt, unemployment, workplace stress, discrimination, and insecure housing can all affect mental health. If mental health problems are affecting your ability to work, study, manage money, or attend appointments, it may help to speak with a GP, employer, university support service, benefits adviser, debt charity, or local advice organisation.

A GP may be able to provide medical evidence or a fit note if your health affects your work. Charities and advice services may help with debt, benefits, housing, employment rights, and practical support. Getting help with the practical problem can sometimes reduce emotional pressure.

Medication and treatment

Some people are offered medication, talking therapy, lifestyle support, peer support, crisis care, or a combination of treatments. Medication can be helpful for some mental health conditions, but it should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Do not stop prescribed medication suddenly without medical advice, as this can cause withdrawal effects or a return of symptoms.

If you feel your medication is not helping or is causing side effects, contact your GP, pharmacist, mental health team, or NHS 111 if urgent. In an emergency, call 999.

Confidentiality and sharing information

Mental health services usually treat information confidentially. However, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, professionals may need to share information to keep people safe. If you are worried about confidentiality, ask the service what information they record, who can see it, and when they might need to share it.

If you are helping someone else, services may not be able to share details with you without the person’s consent. However, you can still share your concerns with professionals, especially if there is a safety risk.

Preparing before a crisis

If you have experienced mental health problems before, it can help to prepare while you are feeling more stable. Save important numbers in your phone, including NHS 111, Samaritans, trusted contacts, your GP, local crisis service, and any mental health team involved in your care.

Keep a list of medications, diagnoses, allergies, emergency contacts, and what has helped or not helped in the past. If you have a care plan, keep it accessible. If you are supporting someone else, ask them what they would like you to do if they become unwell or unsafe.

Digital safety and online information

Online information can be helpful, but it can also be overwhelming or inaccurate. Use trusted sources such as the NHS, recognised charities, and official services. Be cautious with social media advice, forums, miracle cures, unqualified influencers, or content that encourages self-harm, extreme dieting, substance misuse, or stopping medication without medical advice.

If online content is making you feel worse, step away from it and contact a real person or support service. If you see content that suggests someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or the platform’s safety tools.

Important contacts

• Emergency danger: call 999.
• Urgent mental health help, not immediately life-threatening: use NHS 111 by phone or online.
• Samaritans: call 116 123 for free emotional support, any time.
• Shout: text SHOUT to 85258 for free confidential text support.
• NHS mental health services — information on accessing NHS support and urgent help.
• NHS Talking Therapies — free talking therapies for anxiety and depression in England, with self-referral available in many areas.
• Mind — mental health information, advice, and local support options.

Planning ahead

Mental health support works best when people know where to turn before a crisis becomes overwhelming. Save key numbers, check local services, register with a GP, ask for help early, and make a safety plan if you are at risk of crisis. If you are supporting someone else, do not carry the responsibility alone. Contact professional support if you are worried.