top of page

Self help and support.

20240423_162051_50CF43.jpeg

Immediate Mental Health Support Helplines

Flag on Mountain Peak

Since the early 2000s, social media has transformed how we connect. Starting with Myspace, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok have captivated millions. In 2005, only a small percentage of people used social media. By 2021, this soared to 72 percent. Today, over 4.8 billion people use social media daily, with nearly six billion expected by 2027.

However, social media comes with risks, including addiction.

How addictive is it? How often are people using it? Who is most at risk?
 

Explore this detailed analysis  produced by The Lanier Law Firm to understand the risks of social media.

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on our Mental Health

  • Samaritans.
    To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person.
    You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
     

  • SANEline.
    If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day).
     

  • National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK.
    Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).
     

  • Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
    You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you are struggling and need to talk. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.
     

  • Shout. 
    If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
     

  • The Mix.
    If you're under 25, you can request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.
     

  • Papyrus HOPELINEUK.
    If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
     

  • Nightline.
    If you're a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
     

  • Switchboard.
    If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
     

  • C.A.L.L.
    If you live in Wales, you can call the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) on 0800 132 737 (open 24/7) or you can text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.
     

  • Helplines Partnership.
    For more options, visit the Helplines Partnership website for a directory of UK helplines. Mind's Infoline can also help you find services that can support you. If you're outside the UK, the Befrienders Worldwide website has a tool to search by country for emotional support helplines around the world.
     

  • Call 999 or go straight to A&E.
    If someone's life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose and you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe then call 999 or go straight to A&E.
    A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
     

How to Talk to Someone with Suicidal Thoughts.

  • Choose a private setting

  • Express your concern/care

  • Listen without judgement

  • Be patient, give them time

  • Take their feelings seriously

  • Ive been worried about you and want to check in

  • How are you feeling?

  • I'm here to listen if you want to talk about things

  • Have you had thoughts of hurting yourself or ending your life?

  • I care about you and want to support you.

  • How can I help?

  • You are not alone in this, there are people who can help

  • Don't minimise their feelings or problems

  • Avoid giving advice or trying to "fix" the situation

  • Don't use phrases like "cheer up" or "things could be worse"

  • Don't promise to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret

  • Encourage them to seek professional help

  • Offer to help them find resources or make appointments

  • Remove access to lethal means if possible

  • Create a safety plan together

  • Provide emergency contact numbers

Approaching the Conversation.
What to Say?
What to Avoid?
Taking Action.
Use These Words

DIED BY SUICIDE​

SUICIDE ATTEMPT

PERSON LIVING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

Don't Use These Words

COMMITTED SUICIDE

FAILED/UNSUCCESSFUL SUICIDE

SUICIDAL PERSON

Appropriate Language

bottom of page