You don't have to keep going through this alone. Help is one call away.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you're struggling, you can text or call any of the lines below, 24/7, free, confidential. You don't have to be 'bad enough' — that's not a thing.
Samaritans — 116 123
Free, 24/7, any reason. Trained listeners. Will not call the police unless you specifically ask. Email jo@samaritans.org if speaking is too much.
Shout — text SHOUT to 85258
Free 24/7 text-based support. Often easier when speaking is too much. Trained volunteers.
NHS 111, press option 2
Mental health triage. Will arrange same-day mental-health support if you need it. Faster than 999 for mental-health-only emergencies.
Papyrus HOPELINE247 — 0800 068 4141
Under-35s in suicidal crisis. Free, 24/7. Text 88247.
CALM — 0800 58 58 58
Campaign Against Living Miserably — for men, but everyone welcome. 5pm–midnight.
Switchboard LGBT+ — 0800 0119 100
LGBT+-led listening line, 10am–10pm daily.
If you've taken something / harmed yourself
Call 999 or go to A&E now. Tell them what you've taken. They will not judge you. Bring someone with you if you can.
Right now, before the call
Get to one room. Take three slow breaths. Cold water on the face. You don't have to explain everything — just say 'I'm not okay' and the call-taker will lead.
Get through the next hour
- ·Reduce input — lights off, headphones, leave the room
- ·Cold water on face / wrists
- ·Slow exhale (longer than inhale)
- ·Tell one person — anyone — “I'm not okay“
- ·Don't decide anything important in the next 24 hours
- ·Sleep is allowed to be the next thing
ND-specific notes
- ·Sensory overload can mimic suicidal crisis — try reducing input first
- ·Bring noise-cancelling / sunglasses to A&E if you can
- ·Ask for a quiet room — they exist
- ·Bring a support person to translate when you can't speak
- ·It's okay to say 'I'm autistic / ADHD, please use plain language'