Good to Talk · Helping a mate · Free. Always.
Small things can matter
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.
Depression can make ordinary tasks feel disproportionately difficult and can convince somebody that they are a burden.
Stay in contact
Short messages with no pressure to perform socially can help: “Thinking of you. No need to reply.” Invite them without making guilt part of the invitation.
Offer practical support
A walk, food, a lift, helping with an appointment or doing a small task together may be easier than asking them to invent what they need.
Take hopelessness seriously
If you are worried about suicide, ask directly and use urgent help where necessary.
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.