If You Need Help Right Now
In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, staffed by trained crisis counselors.
If you or someone else is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room without delay.
Outside the United States? Find a helpline near you at findahelpline.com, or browse the international crisis-centre directory from the International Association for Suicide Prevention at iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres.
This page is for information and education only and is not a substitute for emergency services or professional care. If there is any immediate risk to life, contact emergency services straight away.
You Are Not Alone
A mental health crisis can take many forms. It might be overwhelming thoughts of suicide or self-harm, a panic attack that feels unbearable, the aftermath of trauma, or a moment when the pain simply becomes too heavy to carry. Whatever brought you here, please know this: crises pass, intense emotions ease with time and support, and asking for help is one of the bravest and most caring things a person can do — for themselves or for someone they love.
Crisis lines exist precisely so that no one has to face the hardest moments alone. The trained counselors who answer are not there to judge you. They listen, they help you feel a little safer, and they can connect you with ongoing support. You do not need to be certain you are "in crisis enough" to reach out — if you are hurting, that is reason enough to call or text.
If you are worried about a friend, partner, child, or colleague, your concern matters too. Many people who survive a crisis say that one person who noticed, asked, and stayed with them made all the difference. You do not need special training to show up with compassion — asking directly about how someone is doing, listening without rushing to fix things, and helping them connect to support can be life-saving.
Below you will find trusted crisis resources alongside guides on suicide warning signs, safety planning, supporting a loved one, and recovering after a difficult time. Use what helps. Save this page if you think you might need it later. And if the moment feels urgent, return to the box above and reach out now.
Emergency & Immediate Help
Start here if a situation feels urgent. These guides explain who to contact, what crisis lines do, and how to find free help quickly.
Suicide Prevention & Safety
Whether you are struggling yourself or worried about someone else, these guides cover recognizing warning signs, understanding suicidal thoughts, and building a plan to stay safe.
Supporting Someone in Crisis
If you are caring for a friend or loved one who is struggling, these guides offer practical, compassionate ways to show up and help without taking on more than you can carry.
Coping in the Moment
When emotions surge, simple grounding and coping skills can help you ride out the wave until it passes. These techniques are not a replacement for crisis support, but they can steady you alongside it.
Trauma & Acute Distress
Crises are often tied to trauma — recent or long past. These guides explain common reactions and the paths toward healing.
Finding Ongoing Support
Once the immediate danger has passed, ongoing care helps prevent future crises and supports lasting recovery. These guides help you find the right kind of help, including support tailored to specific communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What number do I call if I'm in a mental health crisis in the US?
In the United States you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, connecting you with trained crisis counselors. If you or someone else is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
What if I'm not in the United States?
Crisis helplines exist in most countries. You can search for a helpline in your region at findahelpline.com, or browse the international crisis-centre directory maintained by the International Association for Suicide Prevention at iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.
How can I help someone who is having suicidal thoughts?
Stay calm, listen without judgment, and take what they say seriously. Ask directly whether they are thinking about suicide, do not leave them alone if there is immediate danger, and help them connect with a crisis line or professional support. Our guides on talking to a loved one in crisis and suicide warning signs can help. You are not responsible for fixing everything alone.
Is this page a substitute for emergency help?
No. This page is for information and education only and is not a substitute for emergency services or professional care. If there is any immediate risk to life, contact your local emergency number, such as 911 in the US, or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
Reaching Out Is a Sign of Strength
No crisis lasts forever, and no one has to face the hardest moments alone. If you are in the United States, call or text 988 any time. Wherever you are, support is closer than it may feel right now.