In moments of crisis, knowing how to engage with emergency support can be lifesaving. Emergency support may come from services like ambulance, police, crisis hotlines, or urgent care teams. For some, reaching out may feel overwhelming or frightening, but it is an important step to ensure safety and stabilisation.
Crisis Notice
If you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or others, please call emergency services right away. If you are outside immediate danger but still in crisis, contact a crisis hotline or trusted professional without delay.
What It Feels Like
When in crisis, people often hesitate to reach for help because of fear, shame, or uncertainty:
- Emotional signs: panic, despair, hopelessness, or feeling unsafe with yourself
- Mental barriers: thoughts of “I don’t deserve help” or fear of being judged
- Physical state: racing heartbeat, exhaustion, or difficulty making decisions
It’s important to remember: emergency services are there to protect your safety, not to judge.
Everyday Tools & Practical Tips
Ways to prepare for or engage with emergency support:
- Save contacts: keep crisis hotline numbers and emergency contacts easily available
- Share openly: be clear about what you are experiencing, even if it feels hard to say
- Involve others: if possible, ask a trusted friend or family member to sit with you or make the call together
- Keep it simple: describe how you feel in the moment – “I feel unsafe” or “I cannot keep myself safe right now” is enough
- Plan ahead: write a crisis plan with steps and contacts before you are in crisis
Longer-Term Approaches
To make emergency support more accessible:
- Therapy: work with a professional to build safety plans and reduce crisis risk
- Community resources: familiarise yourself with local mental health crisis teams or walk-in centres
- Practice role-play: rehearse what you would say when calling for help so it feels less daunting
- Support networks: share your plan with trusted people who can help you take action in a crisis
- Education: learn about services in your area so you know what to expect when reaching out
Moving Forward
Engaging with emergency support is not a failure – it is a courageous step to protect your safety. With preparation and support, you can feel more confident in reaching out when needed. Help is always available, and you are not alone.
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