Good to Talk · Helping a mate · Free. Always.
You matter in this as well
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, in England call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option or use NHS 111 online where appropriate.
Supporting somebody through serious mental-health problems can be exhausting, frightening and emotionally heavy.
Do not become the only support
Encourage a wider network and professional involvement. One person cannot safely provide a 24-hour mental-health service.
Talk to somebody yourself
Without breaching unnecessary private details, you can seek support for your own feelings and ask professionals for general guidance.
Boundaries are not abandonment
You can care deeply and still sleep, work, see friends and protect your own health.
Useful next pages
Trusted help & further reading
- NHS — where to get urgent help for mental health
- NHS Every Mind Matters — helping others
- Samaritans — if you're worried about someone else
This section is practical guidance, not emergency or clinical care. If somebody's safety is at immediate risk, use emergency services.