Help in a crisis

In an ordinary counselling relationship a client wouldn’t be contacting their counsellor in an emergency situation. At the beginning of working together, a counselling agreement sets out how the Client and counsellor will work together and typically include information on emergency services that can be contacted in a crisis or support that can be accessed outwith sessions.

This can happen. Sometimes a person's mental health can worsen between sessions or something happens that tips them over the edge into crisis and they may even become suicidal.

In that case it’s important that they’re able to talk to someone quickly and access help`.

What crisis services are out there when we need them?

We’re well served in the UK. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these are some key examples that are worth having to hand. If you are feeling able to, please consider donating to them if you can so that they can continue to provide the vital role they play in mental health support.

Breathing Space  0800 83 85 87 (Mon - Thurs: 6pm - 2am, Weekends: Fri 6pm - Mon 6am)

Here in Scotland, Breathing Space is a free confidential phone line for anyone over the age of 16 who is feeling low, anxious or depressed.

Mind Support Line 0300 102 1234 (Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm)

A safe space to talk about your mental health. Advisors will listen and help find specialist support if needed.

Samaritans 116 123. (open 24/7)

Probably the most widely known suicide prevention charity.

CALM 0800 58 58 58  (5pm to midnight every day).

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a suicide prevention charity that includes a wider remit of supplying help and and advice to anyone who is struggling with things that can make us miserable.

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK 0800 587 0800

PAPYRUS (HOPELINE247) 0800 0684141 (For anyone under 35 at risk of suicide),

Shout: Text "SHOUT" to 85258 for 24/7 crisis support.

If you’d like to work with me on your mental health, you can get in touch with me via the website or email me directly on mckellarcbt@gmail.com.