Get Mental Health Help

Crisis services are organised by country and region. Use the local service that matches your location, and check the service website for current access, hours, language, privacy, and eligibility information.

The links below were checked on August 28, 2026. They lead directly to the service or directory without tracking parameters. Minds Vary does not operate, endorse, or control these third-party services.

You may feel unable to cope, frightened by your thoughts, intensely distressed, or worried that the situation is becoming less safe without believing that danger is immediate. That is still a valid reason to seek urgent support.

Contact a local crisis line, urgent mental-health service, healthcare provider, or trusted person who can stay with you and help reach the appropriate service. If the risk changes or you become unable to stay safe, use emergency services.

• Say the direct thing first“I am not feeling safe” or “I am worried I may hurt myself” gives the other person important information.
• Ask for practical helpYou can ask somebody to sit with you, make a call, travel with you, or help explain what is happening.
• Keep trying another routeIf one service is unavailable or does not meet the need, try another official local option or emergency care.

For concerns that are affecting mood, sleep, relationships, work, study, self-care, substance use, or day-to-day functioning, a qualified professional can help explore what is happening and what kind of support may fit.

Depending on the local health system, a starting point may be a primary-care doctor, licensed mental-health professional, community mental-health service, school or university support service, workplace assistance programme, or a trusted local organisation that provides referrals.

• Check qualificationsLook for the licence, registration, professional body, or regulated title used where you live.
• Ask about fitYou can ask about experience with the concern, therapeutic approach, accessibility, language, cost, confidentiality, and what happens in a first appointment.
• Use local directories carefullyConfirm that listings are current and understand whether placement is verified, paid, or self-reported.

You do not need the right diagnosis, the whole history, or polished language. A short description of what is happening and how it is affecting life is enough to begin.

• “I have been struggling and I need help finding the right support.”A direct first sentence can make the purpose of the conversation clear.
• “This has been affecting my sleep, work, relationships, or ability to care for myself.”Concrete impact can help another person understand urgency and scope.
• “I am worried about my safety.”Say this plainly if it is true so that the response can match the level of risk.
• “Can you help me make the call or stay with me while I ask?”It is reasonable to ask for support with the practical first step.

If writing things down feels useful, bring a short note. It can include when the concern began, how often it happens, what makes it better or worse, how daily life is affected, relevant health conditions or medicines, and any immediate safety worries.

You may also bring a trusted person if the service allows it. You can ask the professional to explain unfamiliar terms, repeat an option, write down next steps, or discuss access needs. If the fit is poor, it is reasonable to ask what other options exist.

Take concerns about immediate safety seriously. If it is safe for you to do so, ask directly whether the person is thinking about suicide, listen without judgement, and involve emergency or crisis support if they cannot stay safe. Asking clearly does not require you to act as a therapist.

Do not put yourself in danger, physically intervene, or remain alone with someone who is threatening serious harm to you or another person. Move to safety and contact emergency services when there is an immediate threat.

For non-emergency concerns, describe what you have noticed, make space for the person to answer, and offer one practical form of help. You can make a call together, help find a service, provide transport, or stay present while they contact somebody qualified.

Minds Vary can offer general educational information and language that may help a conversation begin. It cannot assess risk, respond to emergencies, provide a diagnosis, choose a treatment, prescribe medication, or offer one-to-one crisis support.

Third-party services have their own eligibility, privacy, confidentiality, safeguarding, and emergency procedures. Read the service's current information where possible. Minds Vary does not currently have a monitored channel for reporting an outdated link, so verify important details on the service website before relying on them.