What to do in a mental health emergency or crisis – for autistic people

Emergencies

If you or someone else is at immediate risk of serious harm or danger , for any reason, including their mental health, you must contact the Emergency Services.

You can either:

Phone 999
Get the person at risk to an accident and emergency (A&E) department at a hospital

Note: not all hospitals have A&E, so check first if you are not sure

If you can’t do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.

Urgent or crisis situations

If you have urgent mental health concerns, – for example thoughts about harming yourself – or suicide – you can call NHS 111 and press option 2.

You will be put through to a qualified call handler, who will be able to give you the advice and support you need.

This service is totally free and confidential and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week

It is for all ages – so you can call this number if you are a parent or carer and need urgent mental health advice and support for a child or young person.

Alternatively, you can visit https://111.nhs.uk/ and follow the on screen instructions. This service is also staffed by the same qualified call handlers. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free and confidential.

Please note however that this NHS 111 line is not an emergency service. Where
there is an immediate, serious and life-threatening emergency, you must call 999 or attend A and E.

Other options for non-urgent situations:

Speak to your GP and tell them how you are feeling
Talk to a friend, family member or someone you trust and tell them how you are feeling
- - Talk to the Samaritans on 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org anytime of day, 24 hours a day
  - Call Hopelineuk: 0800 068 4141 (operating 9am to 12 midnight)
  - SHOUT The UK’s first 24/7 crisis text service, provides free, confidential, 24/7 text message support in the UK for anyone who is struggling to cope. This service is free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis, anytime.Text SHOUT to 85258

Resources to help

Please note, these services are not autism specific. You may find it helpful to tell the person you speak to that you are autistic. Explain what they can do to help you, e.g. use clear language, speak slowly and give you time to process the information, give opportunities for you to ask questions to clarify your understanding.

Remember: if there is a risk to life call 999 or go to any hospital A&E department

Suicide

If you or someone else is at immediate risk of trying to kill themselves, follow the advice about emergencies above.

For less urgent advice on suicide, please follow these links:

Autism Space- Autism and suicide
Samaritans- Advice on what to do if you feel like you might want to kill yourself
Mind- Advice on how to support someone who has suicidal feelings
Samaritans- Advice on how to support someone who has suicidal feelings

Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafes

The Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafes (previously called Crisis Cafes) are part of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s local support for people who need immediate help with their mental health.

The cafes are drop-in centres for anyone to come and talk about their mental health – no appointment needed. There are supportive, trained staff there who can listen and provide the practical support you need.

Click here to find your nearest neighbourhood mental health cafe