You might feel that your mental health has been steadily deteriorating for some time, or perhaps something has happened more recently. Whatever your situation, if you start struggling to cope, it's important to ask for help.
Urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- someone's life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
- you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe
Emergency help is available at the Accident and Emergency departments at:
How a mental health emergency is treated in A&E
If you go to A&E, a mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. They will look after any immediate physical and mental health needs. They should also refer you to a liaison psychiatry service or local Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team (CRHT).
Find out about:
The team in charge of your care will assess you and decide on the best course of care. This usually involves supporting you with your mental health at home. They may also refer you to other services to support your needs.
Making a safety plan
If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else, it may help to make a safety plan to use if you need it:
- the Staying Safe website provides information on how to make a safety plan, including video tutorials and online templates to guide you through the process
- the mental health charity, Mind, also provides information on planning for a mental health crisis
Coping during a crisis
Mind also has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis. This includes calming exercises and a tool to get you through the next few hours.
Contact a local crisis team
NHS 111
If there is no immediate threat to life or safety, you can get urgent advice by contacting NHS 111.
If you call from a:
- landline: choose option 2 to speak to a mental health professional
- mobile: you will be connected to your local mental health crisis service
Safe Haven Helpline
Safe Haven Helpline is a mental health crisis line for anyone aged 18 and over who lives or has a GP in Haringey. Short-term, non-medical interventions available for individuals, family, friends, and carers. Phone: 0800 953 0223
After a crisis
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to seek help. To find out how you can improve resilience and prevent mental health deterioration, visit our mental health services pages.
