Suicidal thoughts: how to help someone in crisis? 24/7 helplines
⏱ 2 min read
Mental health crisis, helplines. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.
First, right now
- Someone says they are about to end their life, has a plan or has already hurt themselves? Call 112 and stay with them until help arrives.
- Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking does not put the idea in their head. It brings relief and lets them talk.
- Listen, do not judge and do not rush to give advice. Say: “I am glad you told me. I am here with you.”
Then
- Call a helpline together. In the UK and Ireland: Samaritans 116 123, free, any time. In England you can also call NHS 111. Elsewhere in Europe, 116 123 is an emotional support line in many countries.
- Do not leave the person alone while they are in acute crisis. Remove things they could use to hurt themselves, such as a stock of medicines.
- Help them get an appointment with a GP or mental health service.
- Is it you who has these thoughts? Tell someone you trust or call one of these numbers. Suicidal thoughts pass, and help works.
- Helping is hard. You can call a helpline too and talk about how you feel.
When to call 112
Always when a life is in danger right now: someone says they are about to do it, has the means ready, has hurt themselves or has taken too much medicine.
What not to do
- Do not promise to keep it secret. Their life matters more.
- Do not dismiss it: “others have it worse”, “pull yourself together”.
- Do not argue or lecture.
See also
Frequently asked questions
Can asking about suicide put the idea in someone’s head?
No. Asking directly brings relief and lets them talk about it. It is the first step to help.
Who can I call if someone is thinking about suicide?
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123, free and any time. If a life is in danger right now, call 112 or 999.
What if I am the one with suicidal thoughts?
Tell someone you trust or call a helpline. These thoughts pass, and help works.
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- 🌲 Lost in the forest: how to survive
Sources
- NHS: help for suicidal thoughts
- Polish Ministry of Education: important helpline numbers (Polish)
- Polish suicide prevention foundation: how to help someone (Polish)
- TelefonSeelsorge (Germany): 0800 111 0 111, 24/7
Scientific literature and guidelines
- WHO: LIVE LIFE, an implementation guide for suicide prevention
- WHO: Psychological first aid, guide for field workers
Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.
General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.