How to access help if you are struggling or in crisis

Hi lovely, I'm so sorry that you are struggling.

It is so, so important to reach out to a professional, and/or someone you trust.

Please know you are enough, absolutely valid, appreciated and loved, it might even be by people you're not aware of, but I promise you are valued, and you have made a lot of people happier.

Here are some steps you can take to get help:

1. Talk to someone.

Please reach out to a family or friend, if you don't have anyone you can talk to we recommend these UK organisations below (International organisations are listed further down):

- Sane Charity provide crisis support between 4.30pm and 10.30pm 365 days a year on 0300 304 7000.

- The Samaritans provide 24 hour confidential emotional support. It is also free to call them and their number won’t appear on your telephone bill - 116 123.

- You can also call NHS 111 for 24 hour health advice and information on 111. Calls are free from landline and mobile phones.

- If you can’t talk, IMAlive offer an online crisis intervention service.

2. Contact your Community Mental Health Team or Crisis Team.

If you do not receive support from local mental health services, contact your GP.

3. Ask to be seen by the duty psychiatrist at your local A&E

They will then be able to assess you and provide you with the appropriate help.

4. Call 999

If don’t feel safe and are worried about an immediate risk of harm, please call 999 and ask for the police or ambulance service.

5. The UK Anxiety and Depression Facebook support group 

Sometimes sharing with strangers can be easier than loved ones, here's the Anxiety and Depression Support Facebook group you can share in.

Please be aware this isn't run by Sugar & Sloth.

Outside the UK?

IMAlive‘s online crisis intervention service is accessible from anywhere in the world. 

You can also find a list of International Crisis Helplines here.

Here are some things you may find useful if you're waiting for help.

1. Try to slow down. 

- Don't make any important decisions for 24 hours. 

- Contact someone and ask them to distract you for a while.

- Breathe in for three seconds, and out for five seconds. Repeat as many times as you need. 

2. Change your surroundings. 

- Get some fresh air - go for a walk, or open a window or door to let air in.

- Mix up your location, even if just heading to a different room, or moving to face in a different direction.

3. Look after yourself.

- Drink some water.

- Have a snack or meal. 

- Do something you know relaxes you - a shower, or have a rest.

Sending you hugs, Anita x

PS

Just so you know, you're awesome, just as you are.

People really like having you around because you make things better.

You might not always hear it, but trust me, you make a lot of people happy just by being yourself.