I Need Urgent Support for my Mental Health
Information on where to get support in a mental health crisis is available here: Where to get urgent help for mental health – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Help is always available, so please reach out for support and advice as a first step. There are several options to help you in a mental health crisis:
- If immediate action is needed (i.e. there is a serious risk to life, either yourself or someone else) you should go to your local Emergency Department or call 999. Specialist mental health practitioners are available at all A&E departments and can assess your physical and mental health needs.
- You can contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment or GP call back. Let them know that the call is urgent, particularly if you are feeling unsafe.
- Call 111 to seek advice from a health professional on where and how to access support.
- NHS urgent mental health helplines offer 24 hour advice and support for you or to seek advice for someone you care for. They are staffed by trained mental health professionals and will provide an assessment to help decide the best support options. See Mental Health Helpline for Urgent Help – NHS (www.nhs.uk) to find the number for your local service.
Free Listening Services
If you just need to talk, any time of day or night. These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult:
- Call 116 123to talk to Samaritans, or email: [email protected] for a reply within 24 hours
- Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19
- If you’re under 19, you can also call 0800 1111to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
- Vivup: our employee assistance programme has a 24/7 telephone support with qualified counsellors for emotional, personal or work-related issues. Available to all HDFT and HIF staff. Just call 03303 800658 or Freephone 0800 023 9324.
These services will only share your information if they are very worried about you or think you are in immediate danger.
Crisis Support Information
- Coping during a crisis:
- The mental health charity Mind has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis.
- This includes calming exercises and a tool to get you through the next few hours.
- Making a safety plan
- If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else, it may help to make a safety plan to use if you need it:
- The Staying Safe website provides information on how to make a safety plan, including video tutorials and online templates to guide you through the process: Staying Safe
- The mental health charity Mind also provides information on planning for a mental health crisis: Planning for a mental health crisis – Mind