Help I'm in Crisis

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

Remember

  • There are people who will listen, help and support you through this; it’s ok to ask for help. Follow your care and safety plan if you have one.
  • Just like stormy weather, strong feelings and urges will pass; you will not always feel this bad.
  • Thoughts are just thoughts, we do not have to follow them. There are many other ways of managing other than harming yourself. Follow this flow chart to help you decide what to do next.

Have you made an attempt on your life or self-harmed and need urgent medical attention?

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.


If you are with someone, let them know what you have done.


If you are on your own, get to a safe place and call someone (a parent/carer or professional helpline):

  • Freephone Samaritans - 116 123 (24 hours a day 7 days a week)
  • Freephone Childline - 0800 1111 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  • Sussex Mental Healthline - 0800 0309 500 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Follow your care and safety plan if you have one.


Text SUSSEX to 85258

This service provides free, 24/7 crisis support. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text the word SUSSEX to 85258.

They will listen to you and help you think through how you’re feeling, and will aim to help you take the next steps towards feeling better.

Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.

Ok – let's focus on helping you cope with these thoughts and feelings.


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

  • Freephone Samaritans - 116 123 (24 hours a day 7 days a week)
  • Freephone Childline - 0800 1111 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  • NHS 111 and select the mental health option (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

If you don’t feel able to speak to anyone, try accessing help, support or advice from these websites:

Or these free apps:


Follow your care and safety plan if you have one.


Text SUSSEX to 85258

This service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text SUSSEX to 85258. A trained volunteer will listen to you and help you think through how you’re feeling, and will aim to help you take the next steps towards feeling.