Suicide & Self-Harm Crisis Support – Worldwide
This page is a gentle starting point for people who may be feeling unsafe, having thoughts of suicide, thinking about self-harm, struggling to stay safe, or worried about someone else.
You do not need the perfect words to ask for help. You can say, type, or show: “I am not safe,” “I need help now,” or “Please stay with me.”
If you might act on suicide or self-harm thoughts
If you feel unable to stay safe, are in immediate danger, or may harm yourself soon, contact emergency services now or go to the nearest emergency department.
- New Zealand: 111
- Australia: 000
- United States / Canada: 911 or 988 where available
- UK / Europe: 999, 112, or your local emergency number
Gentle content notice
This page talks about suicide, self-harm, emotional crisis, safety planning, and urgent support. Please read at your own pace. If reading this increases risk or distress, pause and reach out to a safe person or crisis service now.
You are not a burden
Needing help during a dark or unsafe moment does not mean you have failed. It means you deserve support, safety, and someone to stay with you through this moment.
If speaking is hard
You can use text, chat, writing, AAC, a saved message, or ask someone trusted to contact support with you.
Quick help options
Choose the safest option for right now.
I am in immediate danger
Call emergency services, go to the nearest emergency department, or ask someone nearby to stay with you and help you get urgent support.
Open emergency numbersI need someone to talk or text with
Use a crisis helpline, text line, chat service, or local support line. If phone calls are too hard, look for text/chat options.
Open text/chat supportI cannot explain clearly
Use a short phrase: “I am not safe.” “Please help me stay safe.” “I need crisis support.”
Open communication accessIf this is about you
If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, the most important thing is to create space between you and immediate danger.
Try one safety step now
- Move away from anything you could use to harm yourself.
- Go near another person, even if you do not talk.
- Text or message: “I need help staying safe.”
- Call emergency services if you may act on these thoughts.
Words you can copy
“I am having thoughts of harming myself and I need help staying safe. Please stay with me or help me contact crisis support.”
If you are worried about someone else
Take warning signs seriously, even if the person sounds calm, says they are “fine,” or does not look distressed.
What can help
- Stay calm and stay with them if safe.
- Ask clearly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
- Remove immediate dangers if safe to do so.
- Contact emergency or crisis support if risk is immediate.
What to avoid
- Do not shame, argue, threaten, or dismiss them.
- Do not promise secrecy if they are unsafe.
- Do not leave them alone if there is immediate risk.
- Do not assume calm means safe.
Helpful phrase
“I care about you. I’m staying with you. We’re going to get support together.”
Accessible ways to ask for help
Crisis support should still be reachable if speaking, calling, processing, or explaining feels impossible.
Text or chat support
Text, webchat, or messaging may be easier if phone calls feel too hard or unsafe.
Open text/chat supportCommunication access
AAC, writing, typing, yes/no answers, support people, and extra time are valid ways to ask for help.
Open communication accessNeurodivergent support
Shutdown, meltdown, masking, burnout, and sensory overload can affect how crisis looks and how help is needed.
Open ND crisis supportSupport by country / region
Emergency and crisis options vary by country. Use local emergency services first if there is immediate danger.
New Zealand
In an emergency, call 111. For mental health support, 1737 can be called or texted within New Zealand.
Australia
In an emergency, call 000. Use Australian crisis and mental health support pathways where available.
United States
In an emergency, call 911. For suicide and crisis support, 988 is available in the United States.
Canada
In an emergency, call 911. Use Canadian crisis pathways and local urgent mental health supports where available.
United Kingdom
In an emergency, call 999 or 112. Use NHS, crisis team, Samaritans, or local urgent support pathways where available.
International / worldwide
Use the location hub to find country, region, and local crisis support pathways.
Open location supportWhere to go next
These pages can help connect you to the wider crisis support structure.
Crisis Support by Topic
Return to the main topic doorway for different types of crisis support.
Open topic supportText & Chat Crisis Support
For non-phone support options and lower-pressure ways to reach out.
Open text/chat supportAnxiety, Panic & Overwhelm
For panic, spiralling thoughts, emotional overload, and urgent calming support.
Open anxiety supportDepression & Low Mood
For hopelessness, numbness, low mood, not coping, or needing urgent emotional support.
Open depression supportTrauma, PTSD & Flashbacks
For trauma responses, flashbacks, panic, dissociation, or feeling unsafe after triggers.
Open trauma supportCrisis Support by Location
Find emergency and crisis support by country or region.
Open location support