I need support now
Links to sources of mental health support.
Seeking Support: Signposting Information
In an emergency
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
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
Immediate support
If you are feeling desperate or distressed right now:
Samaritans - open every day throughout the year. (Freephone)116 123 (UK)116 123 (ROI). Email: [email protected]
SHOUT is a 24/7 text support line, which is free on all major networks. Text Shout to 85258
Papyrus is dedicated to the prevention of young suicide in the UK. Contact HOPELINE247 by phone: 0800 068 41 41. Their phone service is open 24 hours per day, every day of the year including weekends and bank holidays.
Text: 07860039967 or email: [email protected]. Their text and email service have the same opening times, but they highlight that this is not an immediate response service, and it may take up to 24 hours to receive a reply.
If you are in England, you can access an urgent mental health helpline - the number varies vary depending on what area you live in.
If you need urgent medical advice call the NHS 111 (England & Wales) or NHS 24 (Scotland).
If you need immediate medical help or attention call 999 or visit Accident & Emergency (A&E).
You can make your own safety plan to keep safe from suicidal thoughts.
This webpage from MIND has tips for getting through the next few hours.
This app has been recommended by our members and can help you to create your own safety plan, as well as information and tools to help you stay safe in a crisis.
If you need medical advice you can book an emergency GP appointment with your GP surgery during opening hours.
How to talk to your GP
Almost all mental health and wellbeing materials say "it's good to talk" but we know it can be extremely difficult to have that first conversation with a medical professional.
Doc Ready has a straightforward and visual planning tool to help you feel more confident about talking to your GP.
The Mental Health Foundation has some great advice about this, including how to find a GP, and planning for your appointment.
Talking to your GP about your mental health
Student Minds have produced a video where they talk to a GP about the support specifically available for depression.
Specific to your university
Support varies from uni to uni - have a look at our webpage about this:
What support is available at uni?
Nightline is a student run listening service - the phone number will depend on the university.
National support and resources for university students
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. They work to empower students with the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health and support others through their national network of university groups. The following web pages may be of particular interest:
- Student Space provides specific advice and support for student mental health and wellbeing
- Exam Stress
- Year Abroad
- Eating Disorders
- Men's Mental Health
- Student Minds Blog: student run blog covering a range of topics
- Look After Your Mate booklet: a guide for students that are worried about a friend.
In Scotland, Think Positive works with colleges, universities, and students' associations across Scotland to help them to develop and promote their mental health support offer. If you're looking for student specific support, check out the Think Positive Hub.
All of the student mental health services, resources and projects in Scotland are promoted on the Think Positive Hub including a summary of mental health support services available at every college and university in Scotland.
Students Against Depression is an award-winning website offering information, guidance and resources for students affected by low mood and depression.
Mind is a national charity which provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. You can contact them either through their national helpline or through one of their local Mind groups.
BEAT is an eating disorders charity providing information and support.
What's Up With Everyone? is a website with videos created by Aardman Animations in conjunction with MH professionals. They tackle such issues as perfectionism, loneliness and isolation, social media.
