What is a Mental Health Crisis?
A mental health crisis is when a person's thoughts and feelings are beyond their control.

They may be:

• Experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions (which should always be taken seriously)
• Posing a serious risk to themselves or (very rarely) others.
• Expressing irrational and bizarre thoughts and behaviours that indicate they have completely lost touch with reality

Are you experiencing a Crisis?
If you are experiencing early stages of a crisis yourself and need support, call one of the following 24 hour helplines:

Samaritans Tel: 08457 909090
Support and advice if you need someone to talk to.
Samaritans also offer support online via email.

NHS Direct Tel: 0845 4647
Staffed by nurses who offer medical advice and information.
NHS Direct Online also available.

Is someone you know experiencing Crisis?
If that person poses a present and immediate danger to life, either to the person themselves, or others DO NOT HESITATE - Call the Emergency Services on 999 immediately.

Some Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) provide 24 hour services so that you can contact them in a crisis. If you are already in contact with a CMHT you may find it useful to keep their number by your phone in case you need it. CMHT's are usually based either at a hospital or local community mental health centre. Otherwise you should be able to contact your local CMHT via your local social services or social work team.

Preparing for Crisis situations
It can be a good idea to think about what your wishes would be should a crisis situation arise. It might be useful to keep a contact list of people who could be contacted in an emergency, for example, (if appropriate) the Care Coordinator, Community Psychiatric Nurse or Psychiatrist. Find out about how to contact someone outside office hours. Services can still be provided without a proper assessment if they are required urgently. A proper assessment must be carried out as soon as it is practical to do so.