I need emergency help now
Use emergency services first if there is immediate risk, violence, medical danger, suicide risk, or someone cannot stay safe.
Open emergency numbersADHD Crisis Support – Global
A calm, practical starting point for ADHD people, families, carers, support workers, teachers, and professionals looking for urgent support pathways, low-pressure communication options, and safer next steps during distress, overwhelm, impulsive crisis, emotional dysregulation, burnout, or shutdown.
If you need help right now
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, at risk of harm, or unable to stay safe, contact local emergency services now.
- New Zealand: 111
- Australia: 000
- United States / Canada: 911
- UK: 999 or 112
- Europe: 112
Gentle ADHD note
ADHD crisis moments can involve intense emotions, impulsive thoughts, panic, rejection sensitivity, overwhelm, racing thoughts, or feeling unable to pause. You are not “too much.” Start with the smallest safe step.
Quick pathways
Choose the option that fits what is happening right now.
I cannot call right now
Text, chat, messaging, or relay support may feel easier when phone calls are too overwhelming.
Open text/chat supportI am helping someone with ADHD
Stay calm, reduce pressure, remove danger where possible, and help them take one safe step at a time.
Open carers supportSearch & filter ADHD support pathways
Use this section to find the type of ADHD-related crisis support you need.
Big feelings feel unsafe
ADHD emotions can rise very quickly. The goal is not to “calm down instantly,” but to reduce risk and get through the next few minutes safely.
Impulsive crisis moments
If impulsive thoughts feel dangerous, create distance from means of harm, contact emergency support, or ask someone trusted to stay nearby.
When rejection feels unbearable
Pause big decisions where possible. A message, conflict, or perceived rejection can feel huge in the moment, but support can help you ride the wave.
When phone calls feel impossible
Use text/chat support, send one short message, or ask someone else to help communicate if speaking is too much.
Open text/chatWhen everything feels too hard
Burnout can make decisions, routines, communication, and safety planning harder. Start with food, water, rest, quiet, or one trusted person.
Open burnout supportParents, carers & whānau
Supporters can help by reducing shame, simplifying choices, lowering demands, and helping the person access emergency or crisis support if needed.
Open carers supportTeachers & school staff
Student ADHD crisis support should focus on safety, calm language, reduced public shame, clear next steps, and caregiver/professional follow-up.
Open teacher supportSupport workers & professionals
Helpers may need ADHD-aware crisis response, communication access, referral pathways, safeguarding, and follow-up support.
Open support worker pageFind help by location
Use the location hub if you need country-specific emergency numbers, helplines, regional services, or local pathways.
Open location hubADHD crisis signs this page recognises
ADHD crisis can look different for each person. These experiences can overlap.
Emotional flooding
Feelings rise fast and feel too big to manage alone.
Impulsive risk
Acting quickly may feel tempting before safety has caught up.
Racing thoughts
Thoughts loop, speed up, or make everything feel urgent.
Rejection pain
Conflict, criticism, or being ignored can feel unbearable.
Small steps for the next few minutes
These do not replace crisis support. They are small steps that may help while waiting, texting, or reaching out.
Reduce danger first
- Move away from anything you could use to hurt yourself.
- Go near another person if safe.
- Use emergency services if risk is immediate.
Make it smaller
- Do one tiny step only.
- Drink water or sit down.
- Send one message: “I need help.”
Lower stimulation
- Dim lights if possible.
- Use headphones or move to a quieter area.
- Reduce talking, questions, and pressure.
For people supporting someone with ADHD
In ADHD crisis moments, shame and pressure can make things worse. Calm, clear, practical support can help.
Helpful things to do
- Speak calmly and simply.
- Offer two choices, not ten.
- Help reduce immediate risk.
- Stay nearby if safe and wanted.
Things to avoid
- Do not shame, lecture, mock, or threaten.
- Do not demand long explanations.
- Do not escalate conflict.
- Do not assume the person is being dramatic.
When to get urgent help
If the person may hurt themselves or someone else, is unsafe, is missing, is out of control, or cannot stay safe, use emergency or crisis support immediately.
Global and location pathways
ADHD-specific crisis supports vary by country, so location pages help connect people with local emergency numbers, crisis lines, and support options.
Worldwide emergency numbers
Use this first if there is immediate danger or urgent safety risk.
Open emergency numbersCrisis Support by Location
Find support by region, country, or local area where available.
Open location supportNeurodivergent Crisis Support
Return to the wider neurodivergent crisis support pathway.
Open ND crisis supportWhere to go next
This page is part of the wider crisis support structure.
Text / Chat Crisis Support
For lower-pressure crisis support when calling feels too hard.
Open text/chatAccessibility-Specific Support
For communication barriers, disability access, sensory needs, and adapted support options.
Open accessibility supportSpecialised & Inclusive Support
For identity-aware, disability-aware, culturally safer, and specialist crisis pathways.
Open inclusive support