The Asterisk Project

Mental health crisis: What to do right now

Mental health crisis: What to do right now

This guide is for men in the UK who need to know what to do right now in a mental health crisis. It is practical and direct. You do not need to figure this out on your own.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

  • If you are in immediate danger, or you think you might act on thoughts of suicide: call 999 now.
  • If you have injured yourself or taken an overdose: go to A&E now.
  • If you need urgent mental health help today: call NHS 111 (ask for the mental health option), or use NHS 111 online.
  • If you need someone right now: Samaritans 116 123 (call), or Shout 85258 (text).
  • Quick safety check: if you have a plan to harm yourself, or you have already taken steps towards it, treat this as an emergency and call 999.

If you can stay safe for the next few hours, use the steps below to get urgent support and reduce risk.

In this guide

Step 1: Get to a safer place (right now)

If things are escalating, your first job is not to solve everything. It is to get through the next 30–60 minutes.

Try one or more of these:

  • Move away from anything you could use to hurt yourself. Put distance and a barrier between you and means.
  • Change your environment. Go to a more public or neutral space, or sit near another person in your home.
  • Do not drive if you feel unsafe. If you need to get somewhere, ask someone to take you, or use public transport or a taxi.
  • If alcohol or drugs are involved, do not try to “ride it out” alone. That can increase risk and impulsive actions.

If you have someone you can contact:

  • Message or call one person and say: “I’m not OK. Can you stay with me for a bit or talk on the phone?”

Step 2: Work out what kind of urgent help you need

A “mental health crisis” can mean different things. Use this to choose the right next step.

Call 999 or go to A&E if any of these apply

  • You are about to hurt yourself, or you think you might act on suicidal thoughts.
  • You have taken an overdose, harmed yourself, or you have injuries.
  • You feel out of control, severely confused, or you cannot look after yourself.
  • You are experiencing severe hallucinations or paranoia and you are not safe.

Call NHS 111 (mental health option) if you need urgent support today

This is often the best next step when you are in crisis but not in immediate danger.

You can call 111, or use NHS 111 online if you cannot speak on the phone: Check your mental health symptoms.

NHS 111 can:

  • Connect you to a local urgent mental health service or crisis team
  • Advise where to go and what to do next
  • Help you access support if you are not sure which service you need

Call Samaritans or text Shout if you need someone now

This can be the fastest way to reduce intensity and stay safe.

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
  • Shout: text 85258 (free, 24/7)

You do not need to be “suicidal enough” to use these.

Step 3: Use the main crisis options in the UK (and when to use each)

Here are the most common routes, with plain-English guidance.

NHS 111 and urgent mental health support

Best for: urgent support within hours, not sure what to do, need clinical advice.

What to expect:

  • You will be asked what is happening and whether you are safe.
  • You may be referred to a local crisis service, an urgent assessment, or given clear next steps.

Tips for the call:

  • Start with one sentence: “I’m having a mental health crisis and I’m not feeling safe.”
  • Say if you have thoughts of suicide, a plan, or means. It helps them assess risk.

Crisis teams and urgent assessments

Some areas have crisis teams or mental health urgent response services.

Best for: urgent assessment and support at home or in the community.

What they can do:

  • Assess risk and help you make a safety plan
  • Offer short-term intensive support
  • Link you to longer-term services

A&E

Best for: immediate danger, self-harm injuries, overdose, or you cannot stay safe.

What happens at A&E can vary, but typically:

  • You are triaged like any other urgent case.
  • You may be seen by the mental health liaison team.
  • You might be kept safe in hospital while a plan is made.

If you are worried you will be dismissed:

  • Say clearly: “I’m not safe. I need urgent mental health help today.”

Samaritans

Best for: you need someone to talk to now, and you want a human conversation with no judgement.

  • Call 116 123 (free)
  • They can also signpost you to other support

Shout (text)

Best for: you cannot speak out loud, you are at work, or talking feels too hard.

  • Text SHOUT to 85258

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

Best for: men who want to talk, especially evenings and nights.

Step 4: If you are supporting a mate who is in crisis

If you are reading this because you are worried about someone else, keep it simple.

If you think they are in immediate danger

  • Call 999.
  • Stay with them if you can.
  • Do not argue with their feelings. Focus on safety and getting help.

What to say (practical scripts)

You do not need perfect words. Try:

  • “I’m really glad you told me.”
  • “I’m here. We can do the next step together.”
  • “Can we call 111 together, or go to A&E?”

What not to do

  • Do not promise to keep it secret if safety is at risk.
  • Do not try to debate whether they “should” feel this way.
  • Do not leave them alone if they are at high risk.

Step 5: What to do in the next 24 hours (once you are safer)

A crisis often comes in waves. Once you are through the worst of it, the next job is to reduce the chance of another spike.

1) Make a short plan for tonight

Write this down in your notes app:

  • Where I will be:
  • Who I can contact:
  • What I will do if it gets worse:
  • One thing that helps me ride out a wave: (walk, shower, music, sitting with someone, grounding exercise)

2) Reduce risk

  • Put distance between you and means.
  • Avoid drinking or using drugs if you can.
  • If you live alone, consider staying with someone, or asking someone to stay with you.

3) Book the next step even if you do not feel like it

A few options:

  • GP appointment (or an urgent same-day appointment)
  • Self-referral to NHS talking therapies (England)
  • Contact a local crisis service if you were given details by 111

Step 6: Longer-term support (to reduce the chance of another crisis)

A mental health crisis is often a sign that something needs to change, not that you are broken.

Common routes:

  • GP support: referrals, medication discussions, fit notes, and ongoing monitoring
  • NHS talking therapies: structured therapy options (varies by area)
  • Charity and community support: peer groups, helplines, and practical help
  • Private therapy: if affordable, sometimes quicker access

If you want to understand the bigger picture of your options, start here:

  • How to access mental health support in the UK (step-by-step)

FAQs

I’m not sure this counts as a “crisis”. What if I’m overreacting?

If you do not feel safe, or you cannot cope right now, it counts. You do not need to justify it to anyone. Use the urgent options above.

Will NHS 111 take me seriously?

Yes. Be direct about what is happening and whether you feel safe. If you have thoughts of suicide, say so.

What if I do not want to go to A&E?

If you are in immediate danger, A&E is often the safest option. If you are not in immediate danger, start with NHS 111 and ask for urgent mental health support.

What if I’m worried about what my job, family, or partner will think?

A crisis is a health issue. Getting help is the responsible move. If you need time off, your GP can advise and provide a fit note if appropriate.

I’m scared I’ll be judged if I tell someone I’m suicidal

A lot of men feel that. The aim is not to be brave. The aim is to stay alive. Start with one sentence to one person, or call Samaritans.

Internal (Asterisk Project):

External (UK support):

Important note

We are not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, use the contacts above.