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Library | Desperate? |
Feeling
Desperate? 
What
to to in
a Crisis
Sometimes our own mental health causes us serious concern
and we need urgent help. Sometimes someone else's mental health causes
us great concern. Sometimes we are afraid for our own or someone else's
safety. If this is the case, please do not hesitate to contact
someone who can help, even if it is only for support and guidance.
They may help to calm the situation and reassure you. When you speak to
someone, try to remember to:
- keep
calm
- keep safe
- tell them
who you are
- tell them
what is wrong
- tell them
what you need
- trust
what they say to you
- if there
is a reason why you cannot follow any advice, do not be afraid to tell
them why
If
there is real danger, dial 999 and ask for the Police |
If this is your FIRST experience of crisis
If this is the first time you need support with some form
of mental distress, it's important to make contact with the right people
without delay. You are probably feeling frightened or confused, or extremely
worried. Don't let these understandable feelings put you off asking for
help. Even if you don't understand what is happening, or if you don't
know what you need to help you, please get in touch NOW with one of the
following:
- Your
local/family doctor (GP) - you might already have a trusting relationship
with your doctor. They will probably know you and your family, So they
should be the first person you try to contact in your first mental health
crisis. Tell them (or the person who takes the call for them) as much
as you can about what is happening
- Ask for
an emergency appointment
- If you
feel you cannot get to the surgery, ask for a home visit
When
your surgery is closed, patients in the Cambridge area
should contact Camdoc - 01223 464242 |
NHS
Direct - 0845 4647
If for some reason you are unable to contact your doctor, then telephone
NHS Direct. This service has medically trained staff who will understand
the importance of your situation. They will ask you some questions and
offer advice about what to do next.
If
you have experienced problems before
Existing users should look at their Care Plan if they have one
for what they do in an emergency.
Crisis
Lines
These are staffed by well-trained volunteers with a wealth of experience
and are open when other services are closed. The person at the other end
of the phone will listen carefully to you and give you time to express
how you are feeling. Organisations include:
Samaritans
0845 790 9090
A listening service offering emotional support 24 hours, 7 days a week
Lifeline
0808 808 2121 (freephone)
Cambridgeshire's mental health helpline, open 7-11pm, 365 days a year
Childline 0800 1111 (freephone)
For children and young people with any type of problem. Open 24 hours,
7 days a week
Saneline
0845 767 8000
A crisis support and information line. Open 1pm-11pm, 7 days a week
Shelterline
0808 800 4444
A housing advice helpline open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Refuge
0808 2000 247
A helpline for women experiencing domestic violence. Open 24 hours 7
days a week.
Open: Monday-Thursday from 8.30am-5.00pm; Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm.
01572 722577.
Last
revised 7 May 2007
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