Help! I’m in crisis

We are going to talk you through the steps you can take to keep yourself safe.

If you are upset and having thoughts and urges about hurting yourself, someone else or ending your life then stop, take a deep breath and read this page, or click the button to listen:

Remember

1

There are people who will listen, help and support you through this; it’s ok to ask for help.

2

Just like stormy weather, strong feelings and urges will pass; it will not always feel this bad.

3

Thoughts are just thoughts, we do not have to follow them. There are many other ways of managing other than harming yourself. Follow this flow chart to help you decide what to do next:

Have you made an attempt on your life or self-harmed and need urgent medical attention?

Yes No

Ok – lets focus on helping you cope with these thoughts and feelings:

1

Let someone know you do not feel safe or are struggling (a parent/carer or professional helpline).

Freephone Samaritans
116 123
(24 hours a day 7 days a week)

Freephone Childline
0800 1111
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

2

If you don’t feel able to speak to anyone, try accessing help, support or advice from these websites:

www.papyrus-uk.org
www.harmless.org.uk
www.lifesigns.org.uk
www.thecalmzone.net

www.stayingsafe.net

Or these free apps:

Stay Alive
Well Mind
Mood Tools – Depression Aid
What’s Up

Create, destroy and wreck this book- Wreck This Journal (by Keri Smith, available on Amazon).

3

Follow your crisis or relapse prevention plan if you have one.

YoungMinds crisis messengerThis service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258.

They will listen to you and help you think through how you’re feeling, and will aim to help you take the next steps towards feeling better.

Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.

4

Download our useful list of strategies which might help you to keep calm and stay safe.

5

Watch our A-Z Coping strategy animation https://youtu.be/5EXpkVw3fh0

6

Watch our Coping box animation https://youtu.be/OyfgodSSdV4

OK we need to focus on getting you some medical help first to make sure you are safe

1

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

2

If you are with someone, let them know what you have done.

3

If you are on your own, get to a safe place and call someone (a parent/ carer or professional helpline):

Freephone Samaritans
116 123
(24 hours a day 7 days a week)

Freephone Childline
0800 1111
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

4

Have you already got a crisis or relapse plan that you can follow?

YoungMinds crisis messenger
This service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258.