What is a crisis?
A crisis can mean different things to different people. When we use the term crisis we mean overwhelming thoughts and/or feelings to either hurt yourself, hurt somebody else or you are planning or attempting suicide.
What to do in a crisis?
Depending on how severe the situation is for you (or someone you care for), you will decide on who it is best to contact. The key aim is to get to the right help at the right time that supports you to deal with the situation as safely and as calmly as possible.
There is no step-by-step approach to accessing crisis support; each situation is as unique as the individual experiencing a crisis. The severity of the impact upon the person will determine which organisation or service listed below you contact.
- Where there is danger to life – Visit your local hospital’s Emergency Department or call 999
- If you urgently need specialist advice, 24/7 crisis support or information in Sunderland or South Tyneside, call NHS 111 (press 2)
- The NHS 111 (press 2) Mental Health Team can discuss concerns and signpost to appropriate support
- Has the GP been made aware of the situation? Contact the surgery and speak to someone
- Is there a family member, friend or colleague who can be there?
Starts with YOU if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, reach out and speak to someone.
Starts with YOU having a supportive conversation with someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide. Listening and being alongside someone is the support they need.
When you need to talk, 24 Hour Support is available
SHOUT – the UK’s first free text service for anyone in a mental health crisis, text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
The CALM – (Campaign Against Living Miserably) for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts: 0800 585858 (available 5pm – Midnight everyday)
Silverline – free 24/7 helpline for people aged 55+: 0800 4 70 80 90
The Samaritans – call free on phone number: 116 123 If you are hearing or speech impaired you can dial 18001 before the Helpline number to use the text relay service
Support for under 18's
Having thoughts about wanting to die and suicide are painful and can affect any one of us. The Young People’s Pathway identifies the steps that can be taken to access support. It was created for young people up to age 18, and clearly explains the support available.
There is no step-by-step approach to accessing crisis support; each situation is as unique as the individual experiencing a crisis. If you are worried about a young person or your own thoughts, please tell someone you can trust, or contact any of the numbers from the Pathway.
- Where there is danger to life – Visit your local hospital’s Emergency Department or call 999
- If you urgently need specialist advice, 24/7 crisis support or information in Sunderland or South Tyneside, call NHS 111 (press 2)
- If you urgently need specialist advice for a child or young person already in contact with the Children and Young People Service (during opening hours 8am-9:30pm Mon-Fri and 10am-6pm Sat & Sun) offer support and information on: 01915665500
- If you have concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or young person in Sunderland you must contact Sunderland Children’s Safeguarding Board on: 01915205560 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm) or contact the Out of Hours team on 01915205552 (available 24 hours Saturday and Sunday)
- Has the GP been made aware of the situation? Contact the surgery and speak to someone
- Is there a family member, friend, teacher or trusted professional who can be there?
Starts with YOU if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, reach out and speak to someone.
Starts with YOU having a supportive conversation with someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide. Listening and being alongside someone is the support they need.
When you need to talk, 24 Hour Support is available
The Young Minds Crisis Messenger – free 24/7 support if you are experiencing a mental health crisis, text THEMIX to: 85258
Papyrus HOPELine 24/7 – support and advice for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide: 0800 068 4141 or text: 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Childline – 0800 1111
Samaritans – call FREE on 116 123 If you are hearing or speech impaired you can dial 18001 before the Samaritans Helpline number to use Text Relay service
What is suicide?
Suicide is the act of ending one’s own life on purpose.Most people thinking about suicide do not want to die; they want to stop the pain and distress they are experiencing. If you feel suicidal, don’t hide it, talk to someone you trust or phone a local service or helpline Suicide affects all of us, no matter our age, gender or culture.Possible signs that someone you know may be at risk of suicide:
- If they have made a previous suicide attempt.
- If they talk about ‘not wanting to go on’, ‘ending it all, ‘not wanting to wake up’ or ‘wanting to die’
- If they can’t see a way out of their current crisis / distress / situation.
- If they have been through stressful life events or have experienced a trauma or significant loss and don’t seem to be coping.
- If they are drinking, smoking or using drugs more than usual.
- If they have started putting things in order, e.g. sorting life insurance, wills, pet care or childcare or giving away their belongings
- If they show noticeable changes in behaviour, appearance or mood; (distracted, sad, distant, not taking care of themselves) or a sudden uplift in mood following a period of depression.
How can I help someone?
By talking about our suicidal thoughts with someone, we can share our feelings and concerns, and through this, we can identify ways forward. It is comforting to know that we are not alone and that help is available.
- Talking about suicide saves lives
- If you are worried about someone, talk to them; it could save their life
Together we can make a difference!
If you are worried about a friend, colleague, neighbour or family member, they may really appreciate you asking how they are. You don’t have to be able to solve their problem, or even to completely understand it, but listening to what they have to say will let them know you care.
Need help now?
If your self-harming behaviour, or the self-harming behaviour of someone you know, has gone too far and needs medical assistance and it is safe to do so, please visit your local hospital's Emergency Department.
If you have self-harmed with drugs and/or alcohol, please visit your local hospital's Emergency Department.
If you or someone you know cannot keep safe and are planning or attempting suicide call: 999
Don’t keep it all in …. Talk about it!
If you are feeling suicidal, the best thing you can do is talk. Speak to someone you trust or make contact with a service who will offer you support.
If you are worried that someone is suicidal, ask them. It could save their life!
If you want to know how to help – Suicide prevention training can help you save a life!