If someone's life is at risk right now, call 999 or go to A&E. That includes a serious injury, an overdose, or feeling you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe. The NHS says a mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
If you need urgent help but there is no immediate danger, call NHS 111. In England, choose the mental health option. In Wales, press 2. In Scotland, call NHS 24 on 111 and choose the mental health option. In Northern Ireland, call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000, any time.
If you need to talk, Samaritans is free on 116 123, day or night, anywhere in the UK. If you would rather text, text SHOUT to 85258.
All numbers below were checked at the official or service source on 3 November 2026.
The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E now if:
If you have seriously harmed yourself, or feel you may be about to, call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. You can also ask someone else to call 999 or take you.
The NHS says to use 111 online, or call 111 and select the mental health option, if you need urgent help for your mental health. 111 will tell you the right place to get help. You may be able to speak to a trained mental health professional by phone. NHS England says anyone in England can now reach mental health crisis support through NHS 111, 24 hours a day.
You can also ask for an urgent GP appointment.
Call NHS 111 and press option 2. NHS 111 Wales says this puts you in direct contact with a mental health worker in your area. It is open to all ages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in all parts of Wales. It is free from a landline or mobile, even with no credit. You can call about yourself or about a family member.
Call NHS 24 on 111 and choose the mental health option. NHS 24 says this connects you to its Mental Health Hub, where Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners are supported by mental health nurses. NHS 24 lists feeling distressed, in despair, suicidal or in need of emotional support as reasons to call. If an immediate response is needed, you may be referred to A&E or emergency services.
The 111 team can also refer people over 16 to Distress Brief Intervention, which offers up to 14 days of support. You cannot refer yourself to it.
There is no NHS 111 mental health line in the sources checked. nidirect says to:
Lifeline (0808 808 8000) is Northern Ireland's crisis response helpline. nidirect says it is free, confidential and open 24 hours every day, and counsellors answer every call. It can arrange face-to-face counselling in your area within seven days. You can also call if you are worried about someone else.
The NHS says you can also call these helplines for advice if you are worried about someone else.
If you are already under a mental health team, your care plan should list who to call in a crisis. The NHS also says to contact your mental health crisis team, if you have one.
In England, the NHS describes crisis resolution and home treatment teams (CRHTs). If you go to A&E, staff should refer you to a liaison psychiatry service or a local CRHT. In Northern Ireland, nidirect says every trust area has a mental health crisis team of psychiatric nurses, social workers and support workers. Ask your GP or the out-of-hours service how to reach yours.
The NHS says A&E staff should treat you with respect and look after any immediate physical and mental health needs. They should refer you to a liaison psychiatry service or a crisis resolution and home treatment team. That team will assess you and decide on the best course of care. This usually means support at home, sometimes with referral to other services.
The NHS and nidirect both give practical advice:
nidirect lists warning signs that can include talking about death or suicide, hopelessness, sorting out their affairs, withdrawing from people, and a sudden calm after a period of depression.
Most people treated in hospital for their mental health are there voluntarily. But each UK nation has a law that allows someone to be detained, sometimes called "being sectioned", if they are at serious risk. The rules differ.
England and Wales: the Mental Health Act 1983. The NHS sets out the main points:
The NHS notes that changes to the Act were agreed in 2025 and will happen in stages over several years.
Scotland uses the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. Northern Ireland uses the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986. The powers and safeguards differ from England and Wales. If you or a relative are affected, get advice from a mental health solicitor or advocacy service.
When things are calmer, the NHS suggests making a safety plan. The Staying Safe website has templates and video guides, and Mind has information on planning for a crisis. A plan lists your warning signs, what helps, and who to contact.
Follow up with your GP or mental health team. For longer-term help, see our guides to what actually works for depression, bipolar disorder in adults and eating disorders in adults. If panic is part of what you are dealing with, see panic attack vs panic disorder.
If you live in Ireland, the numbers are different. See mental health crisis in Ireland: what to do.
Yes. NHS 111 Wales says you can call press 2 if you are concerned about a family member. The NHS in England lists 111 among the helplines you can call if you are worried about someone else. If the person is in immediate danger, call 999 instead.
No. Samaritans says you can call "whatever you're going through". You do not have to be suicidal to call 116 123.
Text SHOUT to 85258, any time. In England you can use 111 online. Samaritans can be reached through Relay UK on 18001 116 123. NHS 24 can be reached on 18001 111.
No. The NHS says a mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one, and you will not be wasting anyone's time.
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. If you are worried about your safety or someone else's, call 999, NHS 111 or a helpline now.
Reviewed by: Proco Team
Last updated: November 2026