Any one of us can experience a mental health crisis and those who have been diagnosed with an existing mental illness are at an even greater risk.

Signs of a mental health crisis can show up in a variety of ways and will be different for each individual. A person in crisis may:

• Have unpredictable behaviour.
• Have a hard time communicating their thoughts and feelings.
• Be acting in a way that could lead them to hurt themselves or others.

Recognising the signs of a mental health crisis is essential.

Often, a mental health crisis can be triggered by certain events such as job loss; school pressures; a break-up; death of a loved one; financial insecurity; medication changes; physical, sexual, or verbal abuse; or trauma.

Mental health crisis signs:

• Rapid mood swings
• Agitation
• Aggressive behaviour
• Confused thinking or irrational thoughts
• Saying/writing/insinuating they’d like to hurt themselves or others
• Talking about death or dying
• Extreme energy or lack of energy
• Withdrawing from relationships, work, and other social situations
• Changes in diet, not eating or eating all the time
• Hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia
• Losing touch with reality- seeing, hearing or thinking things that are not real

If someone is experiencing any of the above, it is time to seek professional support. If the person is a risk to their own safety or the safety of others, seek immediate support.

In an emergency, call 999

If someone is at high risk of suicide or harm, has self-harmed severely, taken an overdose or a poison, or is at risk of causing harm to other people, you need to call 999. Some symptoms of mental health crisis, such as hallucinations or confusion, can also be signs of a physical health problem or injury; these symptoms also necessitate immediate medical attention.

Samaritans Crisis Support

Service provided by: Samaritans

Description:

If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans will listen. They won’t judge or tell you what to do. Whatever you’re going through, you can call them any time of the day or night, from any phone, for free. They are always open and never close.

Other info: Free service.
Phone: 116 123
Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Crisis Helpline for Nights

Service provided by: MIND Herts Network

Description:

The NightLight Crisis Helpline offers emotional support, advice and information if you are feeling distressed and are in crisis.

Other info: Free service.
Support provided via: Phone
Phone: 01923 256391
Email: nightlight@hertfordshiremind.org (In an emergency, phone instead)
Opening hours: 7pm to 1am, every day of the year.

Watford and Stevenage Crisis Cafe

Service provided by: MIND Herts Network

Description:

Crisis Cafés are staffed by a team of crisis support workers and coordinators as well as crisis support volunteers who are on hand to listen to you and work alongside you to support you during your crisis. They understand that everyone’s crisis is unique to them. At the Crisis Café you can access support in a way that suits you, whether that’s through talking to someone or simply having time to yourself.

They won’t make assumptions or judgements about what will work best for you, but will provide you with choices about what sort of support you may like. You must phone first to attend the Crisis Cafe.

Other info: Free service. You must phone before you go to the Crisis Cafe.
Support provided via: Face to face.
Phone: 01923 256391
Email: nightlight@hertfordshiremind.org
Address: Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, SG1 1LZ
Opening hours: 7pm-1am, 365 days a year.

Ware Crisis Cafe

Service provided by: MIND Herts Network

Description:

Crisis Cafés are staffed by a team of crisis support workers and coordinators as well as crisis support volunteers who are on hand to listen to you and work alongside you to support you during your crisis. They understand that everyone’s crisis is unique to them. At the Crisis Café you can access support in a way that suits you, whether that’s through talking to someone or simply having time to yourself.

They won’t make assumptions or judgements about what will work best for you, but will provide you with choices about what sort of support you may like. You must phone first to attend.

Other info: Free service. You must phone before you go to the Crisis Cafe.
Support provided via: Face to face.
Phone: 01923 256391
Email: nightlight@hertfordshiremind.org
Address: Ware- call for service address.
Opening hours: 7pm-1am, Fri, Sat and Sun.

Hemel Hempstead Crisis House

Service provided by: MIND Herts Network

Description:

The NightLight Crisis House has four beds and can be used if an overnight stay would help you resolve your crisis. It is open 365 days a year. It is useful for people who, as a result of their mental health crisis, need support over night.

Other info: Free service.
Phone: 01923 256391
Email: nightlight@hertfordshiremind.co.uk
Address: Call for details.
Opening hours: Open through the night. Call between 7pm-1am for access to the Crisis House.