Where to Get Urgent Help for Mental Health
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, getting professional help quickly is important. You do not have to face a mental health crisis alone. There are services available to provide urgent advice, assessment and support.
Whether you are experiencing overwhelming emotions, thoughts of self-harm, severe distress or simply feel unable to cope, reaching out for help can be an important first step.
Get Urgent Mental Health Support Through NHS 111
If you need urgent help with your mental health, you can call 111 and select the mental health option or use the NHS 111 online service.
NHS 111 can help you understand what support you need and direct you to the most appropriate service. Depending on your situation, you may also be able to speak directly with a trained mental health professional.
You can also contact your GP and request an urgent appointment. A GP can discuss treatment options with you and help you access appropriate mental health services. In some cases, you may also be able to refer yourself to certain services.
Free and Confidential Listening Services
Sometimes, talking to someone can make a difficult situation feel more manageable.
There are free listening services where trained volunteers can provide confidential emotional support and allow you to talk about whatever is troubling you.
Samaritans
You can call 116 123 to speak with Samaritans. The service is available for anyone who needs someone to listen, regardless of what they are going through.
Childline
If you are under 19, you can call 0800 1111 to speak with Childline. The number does not appear on your phone bill.
These services provide a safe space to talk about difficult emotions, worries and experiences. Information is generally kept confidential, although there may be exceptions when there is serious concern about someone’s immediate safety.
Finding Ways to Cope During a Crisis
When emotions become overwhelming, getting through the next few minutes or hours can feel difficult.
Mental health organisations such as Mind provide guidance on coping during a crisis, including calming techniques and practical steps that may help you manage the immediate situation while seeking further support.
If you are struggling, focus on getting through the immediate moment rather than trying to solve everything at once.
Call 999 or Go to A&E in an Emergency
A mental health emergency should be treated as seriously as a physical health emergency.
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if:
- Someone’s life is at risk, such as after serious self-harm or an overdose.
- You believe you cannot keep yourself safe.
- You believe you cannot keep another person safe.
- Someone may be at immediate risk of seriously harming themselves or someone else.
In these circumstances, do not wait for the situation to improve on its own. Seek emergency help immediately.
You will not be wasting emergency services’ time by asking for help during a genuine mental health emergency.
What Happens if You Go to A&E?
If you attend an emergency department because of a mental health crisis, healthcare professionals should assess your immediate physical and mental health needs and treat you with respect and care.
You may be referred to a liaison psychiatry service or a Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (CRHT), depending on your circumstances and local services.
The team caring for you will assess your situation and determine the most appropriate next steps. Where possible, support may be provided in your own home, while additional services may be recommended to address your longer-term needs.
Consider Making a Mental Health Safety Plan
If you experience suicidal thoughts or have previously experienced mental health crises, creating a safety plan can help you prepare for difficult moments.
A safety plan can include:
- Warning signs that you may be entering a crisis
- Things you can do to help yourself cope
- People you can contact for support
- Professional services you can reach
- Steps you can take to make your environment safer
Having this information prepared in advance can make it easier to know what to do when you are overwhelmed.
Asking for Help Is a Sign of Strength
Mental health difficulties can affect anyone, and seeking support does not mean you are weak or failing.
You don’t need to wait until you reach breaking point before asking for help. If you are struggling, talking to a healthcare professional, a trusted person or a listening service can be an important first step.
Remember:
📞 111 — For urgent mental health support in England; select the mental health option.
📞 116 123 — Samaritans for free emotional support.
📞 0800 1111 — Childline for anyone under 19.
🚨 999 or A&E — If someone’s life is at immediate risk or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe.
If you are in immediate danger, seek emergency help now. You deserve support, and you do not have to go through a mental health crisis alone.
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