Getting help in a mental health crisis
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.
Get help today
If you feel like you can't cope and are at breaking point, you can get same-day or next day help by:
- Calling NHS 111 and select the mental health option (available 24/7)
- Calling the Samaritans on 116 123 (available 24/7)
- Texting the word SUSSEX to 85258 (available 24/7)
- Visiting a Staying Well service (available in Brighton & Hove, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings and Worthing, evenings and weekends). Find your local Staying Well service.
If your life - or someone else's life - is in immediate danger, please call 999.
- Not sure what help you need? Try our interactive flow chart which includes some simple questions to help you decide.
Make an appointment
If you are worried about your mental health, e.g., you are feeling anxious or depressed or there are things going on in your life that are affecting your mental wellbeing, please make an appointment with your GP.
If you would like to get treatment for symptoms of anxiety or depression, you can refer yourself to your local Talking Therapies service (previously known as IAPT):
- Talking Therapies Brighton & Hove
- Talking Therapies East Sussex
- Talking Therapies West Sussex
Other ways to get help with your mental health
- Find a list of mental health services and support in Brighton & Hove
- Find a list of mental health services and support in East Sussex
- Find a list of mental health services and support in West Sussex
There are several apps to support people who are experiencing mental health challenges.
StayAlive app
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:
- daylio.net
- mindgarden-tech.co.uk
- headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app
- calmharm.co.uk
- sidebyside.mind.org.uk
Mind Out
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.
Do you currently receive care from one of our services?
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.