Brain Support
What to do in a crisis
A mental health crisis can feel overwhelming. But help is available right now, and you don’t have to face it alone. Here are immediate resources and steps to get support for yourself or someone else to feel safe and get back on track.
What it feels like
- Suicide or self-harm thoughts
- Thoughts of harming others
- Severe Anxiety or panic attacks
- Severe depression or hopelessness
- Delusions or hallucinations
Try this
Do this first
- Find a safe space
- Take slow, deep breaths
- Contact a helpline or trusted person
- Stay with someone if possible
Where to go
- Nearest Emergency room/Trauma centre
- Local Clinic
- Community Health Centre
- Your Local doctor/GP
- Private Mental Health professional
What to say
Be direct
- "I'm having thoughts of suicide"
- "I want to kill myself"
- "I can't go on"
- "I want to make everything stop"
- "I'm having a mental health crisis"
Key information to share
- Any immediate safety concerns
- Mental health history
- Current symptoms
- Access to means of self-harm
- Any substance use – it's important to be honest and open with this.
How to get help
Phone to talk to someone
(24/7 toll-free)
South African Police Services (SAPS)
10111South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Suicide Crisis Helpline
0800 567 567LifeLine Counselling
0861 322 322Cipla Mental Health Helpline
0800 456 789Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline
0800 121 314