Good to Talk · Helping a mate · Free. Always.
Good intentions can still land badly
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.
Most people say the wrong thing because they desperately want the other person to feel better.
Avoid minimising
“You've got nothing to be depressed about”, “other people have it worse”, “just think positive” and “man up” can shut a conversation down.
Don't turn it into a competition
Your similar experience may eventually help, but first understand theirs. Two people can go through similar events and experience them very differently.
Don't make yourself responsible for curing them
You can care enormously and still need professional help involved.
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.