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Mental Health
Mental health crisis
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now call NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support. NHS 111 is available 24/7.
- If you are deaf or have hearing loss, please use NHS 111 – Sign Video or use the 18001 111 Relay UK app.
- Don’t worry, local freephone crisis service numbers in your area will still be active for a while to make sure you always get the support you need and are available 24/7.
- You can find a current list of local freephone crisis service numbers on the NHS Northeast and North Cumbria website.
The service is still provided by your local NHS mental health trust – that is not changing – it's just a new telephone number to call.
If you or someone else have physically harmed themselves, or if their life is at risk, then you should still call 999 or go to A&E.
To help you get the support you need, you will speak to a mental health advisor who will ask you some questions and listen to you. They can offer self-care advice and signposting over the phone, transfer you to the crisis service if needed or refer you to other local services.
Don’t worry, the local freephone crisis service numbers in your area will still be active for a while to make sure you always get the support you need.
What is a mental health crisis?
If a person’s mental or emotional state gets worse quickly, this can be referred to as a mental health crisis or a mental health emergency. If this happens, it is important to get help quickly.
A mental health crisis can mean different things to different people but often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. It can cause a significant disruption to your life and your ability to function.
You should call NHS 111 and select option 2 for crisis mental health support if you are worried about:
- thoughts about your life not being worth living or about harming yourself
- feeling out of control or unable to cope
- feeling anxious about leaving the house
- hearing voices or seeing things that others can’t
If you or someone else have physically harmed themselves, or if their life is at risk, then you should still call 999 or go to A&E.
Mind
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through a network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning. The goal is to make sure everyone affected by severe mental illness has a good quality of life.
Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK was formed in 1970, by Katharine and Harold Fisher as a result of Katharine’s experience of agoraphobia and her desire to develop support for others similarly affected.
Samaritans
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Combat Stress
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For a century, they’ve helped former servicemen and women with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CALM (Campaign against living miserably)
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.
Young Minds
Young Minds is leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever their challenges.
Dementia UK
Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.