What to do in a Crisis
Call a Helpline
- Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. They are open 24 hours a day and your call will be answered by a trained advisor. You can also email them at jo@samaritans.org. Their website is www.samaritans.org
- Breathing Space is a freephone helpline open from 6pm - 2am Monday to Friday and 7 days a week on 0800 83 85 87 staffed by trained advisors. . They also have a website www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
- Saneline 0845 767 8000 is open from 6pm - 11pm every day of the year. Visit their website at www.sane.org.uk or you can email them at SANEmail@sane.org.uk
- NHS 24 is a general medical helpline on 0845 24 24 24 www.nhs24.com
Local Helplines
- Access Line 24/7 Providing emotional and practical support to residents of Edinburgh over the age of 18 who are experiencing distress.
0808 801 0414 www.edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. - Borderline Free and confidential out of hours support and information line for people with any mental health problem and their families and friends living in the Borders 0800 027 4466 7-10 pm Mon –Fri; 6-10 pm Sat and Sun
- Copeline offers support to people who are anxious, distressed or having emotional problems in Ayrshire
0800 056 8181 7pm – 11pm Mon – Fri; 11am – 11pm Sat and Sun Ayrshire. - FIRST Crisis Service Providing short term support for anyone in Renfrewshire and Levern Valley are over the age of 16 who is experiencing a crisis in their mental health. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year 9am - 11pm in Renfrewshire and 11am - 11pm in Levern Valley. Phone 0141 848 9090 or freephone (from landlines) 0500 829 093.
Your local mental health crisis team
Many areas have a local mental health crisis team who can help when you feel really bad. Call your local hospital and ask.
Accident and Emergency
If things are really bad you can always go to Accident and Emergency and ask to see a member of psychiatric staff. If you are really ill and unable to go on your own, call 999 and get an ambulance. If you have taken an overdose get help as soon as you can by calling 999 and asking for an ambulance.
Other webpages that may help if you feel suicidal or are helping someone who is suicidal
Suicide article on this website
http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/ - read this if you feel suicidal
http://www.befrienders.org/ - Befrienders International website with information for people who are suicidal and how to help a friend or relative who is suicidal. This page also has an international list of helplines.