If you or someone else is in danger now, call 112 or 999, or go to your nearest emergency department.
A mental health crisis is when you no longer feel able to cope or stay in control. The HSE says it is important to get help as soon as possible. If anyone is at immediate risk of harm, call 112 or 999, or go to an emergency department (ED). If there is no immediate danger, you can contact a free 24-hour helpline: Samaritans, Pieta or Text About It. You can also ask your GP for an emergency appointment, or call a GP out-of-hours service. If you are already under a mental health team, contact them. This guide covers each option, how families can help, what involuntary admission means in outline, and what happens afterwards.
The HSE lists signs such as:
A crisis can also come from another health problem. The HSE notes that infection, drugs, medicines or dementia can cause confusion or delusions. That is one reason a medical assessment matters. Where alcohol or drugs are involved, see addiction treatments that work for longer-term options.
The HSE says to call 112 or 999, or go to your nearest ED, if you or someone else:
You can also call 112 or 999 if you feel at risk yourself, or have been threatened or assaulted.
You do not need a GP referral for any of these. The HSE says you can also contact them if you are worried about someone else.
A few practical details, as of 2 November 2026:
The HSE says a GP can offer support to anyone in crisis. Ask for an emergency appointment. If you can, bring someone with you. If your surgery is closed and you need urgent care, contact a GP out-of-hours service.
If you are under a mental health team now, or have been in the past, contact that service in a crisis. Family members can do this too. The HSE advises contacting the community mental health team even if the person no longer uses the service. Ask for an appointment, or to speak to the community mental health nurse.
The HSE is building crisis resolution services, but they exist only in some areas. A crisis resolution team offers short-term, intensive support at home or in the community. The HSE describes it as an alternative to inpatient admission. In October 2025 it announced a new team and café for Donegal.
Solace Cafés are part of the same services. They offer free, out-of-hours, non-clinical support for adults aged 18 and over. As of 2 November 2026, Aware's Solace Café website lists two:
Both open Thursday to Sunday, 5pm to 10pm. They work by appointment only, so book ahead. You can refer yourself. A Solace Café is not an emergency service. If someone is at immediate risk, call 112 or 999.
To find out what exists near you, call the Your Mental Health information line on 1800 111 888.
EDs are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When you arrive, you register and a triage nurse assesses you. The people most in need are seen first, so there may be a wait. Tell staff if things get worse while you wait.
If possible, bring:
You can bring one family member or friend into the examination room.
The HSE runs a national programme for people who come to an ED after self-harm or with suicidal thoughts. Its procedure says each person should:
Under the same procedure, the care plan and discharge letter should go to your GP within 24 hours.
The HSE gives clear advice.
Ask directly. For example: "You seem very low and I'm worried about you. Are you thinking of ending your life?" The HSE says asking will not give them the idea. It gives them the chance to talk.
Listen without judgement. Do not make light of how they feel. Take any talk of suicide seriously.
Get help from others. They will need support from more people than you. If there is an immediate risk, they need emergency help.
Tell the health professional what you have seen. Get the person's permission to speak to staff if you can. The HSE says always mention if the person has:
Ask how to keep them safe between appointments. The HSE suggests asking staff for advice on making the home safer, for example what to do with medicines.
Mind yourself. The HSE says anger or fear is a normal reaction. Talk to friends, your GP or a helpline. Helplines take calls from people worried about someone else.
If the person will not accept help, keep listening and keep encouraging them to see their GP. Offer to go with them. If they are a danger to themselves or others, call 112 or 999.
Most people who go into a psychiatric hospital go by choice. This is a voluntary admission. An involuntary admission means being admitted against your will.
As of 2 November 2026, involuntary admission is still governed by the Mental Health Act 2001. The Mental Health Act 2026 was signed into law on 7 May 2026. The Irish Statute Book, updated to 21 October 2026, lists it as not yet commenced. When it starts, some of these rules will change.
Under the 2001 Act, a person can only be admitted involuntarily if they have a "mental disorder" as the Act defines it. In plain terms, that means mental illness, severe dementia or significant intellectual disability, and also either:
A person cannot be admitted only because they have a personality disorder, are "socially deviant", or are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
The three stages, in outline:
An admission order lasts up to 21 days. It can be renewed. A voluntary patient who wants to leave can also be held for up to 24 hours while a second psychiatrist examines them.
Safeguards. The Mental Health Commission refers every admission order to a mental health tribunal. It assigns a free solicitor, unless the person chooses their own. An independent psychiatrist examines the person and reviews their file. The tribunal decides whether the law was followed and whether the person must stay. The person can appeal to the Circuit Court within 14 days of the decision.
This is an outline, not legal advice. If you or a relative are involved, talk to the solicitor the Commission assigns, or get independent legal advice.
The HSE notes that someone may stay at risk for some time, even once services are involved.
What usually comes next:
Services may decide someone is not at risk right now. The HSE says you can still go back to your GP or the ED if things change.
Unsure whether intense fear was a panic attack? Read panic attack vs panic disorder. After a psychotic episode, our explainer on what antipsychotics actually do may help. Never stop or change a medicine without talking to the prescriber.
The system is different. In England, the NHS says to call 111 and select the mental health option, or use 111 online, if you need urgent help. Call 999 or go to A&E if someone's life is at risk. Samaritans is free on 116 123 across the UK. The NHS says A&E staff should refer you to a liaison psychiatry service or a crisis resolution and home treatment team.
Can I call a helpline about someone else?
Yes. The HSE says Samaritans, Pieta and Text About It all take contacts from people worried about someone else. They can help you think through what to do next.
Is the HSE Your Mental Health line a crisis line?
No. The HSE says the information line on 1800 111 888 is not a counselling service. It tells you what services exist and how to reach them. For support in the moment, contact Samaritans, Pieta or Text About It.
Will asking about suicide put the idea in their head?
No. The HSE says asking a direct question will not give someone the idea. It gives them the chance to open up.
Can my family have me admitted to hospital against my will?
A relative can apply for an assessment, but they do not decide. Under the Mental Health Act 2001, a doctor and then a consultant psychiatrist must each examine you. Strict legal criteria must be met. Every admission order is reviewed by an independent tribunal, and you get a free solicitor.
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. If you are worried about your safety or someone else's, contact the emergency services, a helpline or your GP now.
Reviewed by: Proco Team
Last updated: November 2026