A mental health crisis is when someone feels at 'breaking point'. A mental health crisis disrupts usual thought patterns, mood, daily activities and feelings. People in crisis will usually need urgent help.
If you are concerned about yourself, or someone else, please use the information below to find the right place to get help. If your life - or someone else's life - is in immediate danger, please call 999.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, or are concerned about someone who is, please dial 111 and select option 2 to help you get the support you need.
24/7 mental health telephone support and information service.
If you are worried about your mental health or that of a relative or friend, please call NHS 111 option 2. This is a free service for anyone who may be in crisis and in need of help with their mental health.
The Samaritans is a free service which is available 24/7. When you call, a volunteer will answer the phone. They will listen to you and help you talk through you concerns, worries or troubles.
Find out more about the Samaritans.
If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, you can text the word SUSSEX to 85258. This free, confidential, anonymous text support service is available 24/7 and is led by volunteers who have been trained to have a conversation and can support you to get to a calmer place.
There are several apps to support people who are experiencing mental health challenges.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide, you may find the StayAlive app helpful. Download it from the Apple App store or Google Play.
You may also find the following apps and online community helpful for your mental health and wellbeing:
If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you can get online support to help you with your mental health from the charity Mind Out.
Our Staying Well services provide extra support for when you feel you need it. You can contact and refer yourself directly to the service. Find your nearest Staying Well service.
If you or the person you are concerned about currently receives care from one of our services, such as a community mental health team, please get in touch with the specialist team as soon as possible. You can refer to the care plan for advice. This will also contain contact details for the team supporting the person in crisis.
Experiencing a mental health crisis can look different for different people but it can include:
A mental health crisis can occur because of triggers such as bereavement, addiction, relationship breakdown, work related stress, exams - anything that can heighten stress and can feel like a lot to deal with. Someone might have an existing mental health condition and experience a mental health crisis, or it can be something they have never experienced before. It is usually very frightening for the person experiencing the crisis and those around them.