Good to Talk · Helping a mate · Free. Always.
Don't brush that sentence off
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.
Statements about being a burden, disappearing, death or everybody being better off without them deserve a direct follow-up.
Ask what they mean
“When you say we'd be better off without you, are you thinking about suicide?” Stay calm and give them time to answer.
Take yes seriously
Ask whether they are in immediate danger and connect them with urgent professional support. If danger is immediate, call 999 or go to A&E.
Do not leave yourself as the entire safety plan
Bring in appropriate professionals and trusted support.
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.