Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well, but it can be hard to know how to start or where to turn to. It’s common to feel unsure, and to wonder whether you should try to handle things on your own.
But it’s always ok to ask for help.
You might want to seek help if you’re:
- worrying more than usual
- finding it hard to enjoy your life
- having thoughts and feelings that are difficult to cope with, which have an impact on your day-to-day life
- interested to find more support or treatment.
Non-urgent advice: Call 999 or got 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.
How to help someone who is feeling suicidal
If you are concerned that someone is feeling suicidal, they have already made an attempt at suicide, or they have told you that they are intending to end their life and they are in immediate danger then you should call 999.
The Staying Safe website has instant online access to help you talk to someone, and the best ways to help them. It is important that the person you are talking to feels listened to, and that someone cares about them.
Access NHS mental health services and where to get urgent help
Talk to someone who can help – there are services to support you:
NHS 24/7 helpline
To talk to someone about your mental wellbeing you can call the 24/7 NHS mental health telephone support helpline on 0800 038 5300 for advice and triage. Support is available to anyone, regardless of age, all day every day. If you or someone you know feels they need to access urgent mental health support, they will listen to you and assess how best to help.
Samaritans
Call the Samaritans free from your landline or mobile 24/7 365 days a year on 116 123.
Support Matters Cornwall
This service operates from 5pm to 9am on weekdays and 24-hours a day at weekends and bank holidays. The service is open to all patients (aged 16 or older) under the care of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s mental health services. Support can be delivered over the telephone, via text, email or web chat. Call free on 0800 001 4330.
Support services
The campaign against living miserably (CALM) is specifically for men.
The service is open 7 days a week, from 5pm to midnight.
Papyrus is a service for people under 35. Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07786 209697. Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm. Evenings 7pm to 10pm. Weekends 2pm to 5pm.
SHOUT has a 24/7 text service for anyone who is in a crisis. Text 85258.
Please visit out Mental Health section for more information about the resources and support available across the area