Good to Talk · Helping a mate · Free. Always.
You can't force every decision — but safety changes things
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.
Watching somebody struggle while refusing help is frightening and frustrating.
Understand the resistance
Fear, shame, bad previous experiences, hopelessness, practical barriers or not recognising the severity can all play a part. Ask what is stopping them rather than repeating “get help”.
Keep offering specific routes
Offer to sit with them while they call, find the service together or accompany them where appropriate.
Immediate risk is different
If you believe somebody is in immediate danger, use emergency services. You do not need their permission to call for emergency help when life is at risk.
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.