Helplines provide an immediate source of support if you are suicidal, in crisis, or just need to talk to someone understanding and non-judgemental.

Please note that different helplines have different policies on suicide and self-harm. Some will simply listen and offer support, whereas others will intervene actively (for example, by calling an ambulance) if they feel you are in danger. If you don't know what a helpline's policy is and it's important to you, you can ask at the start of the call.

Contents
International helplines
UK helplines
US helplines
Canada helplines


International Helplines

Befrienders Worldwide
Helplines listed by country. Covers just about every country in the world.


UK Helplines

0800 and 0808 numbers are free and will not show up on phone bills. 0845 numbers are local rate i.e. the same cost as a local call.

Several of these helplines can also be contacted by email - check their websites for details.

Bristol Crisis Service for Women 0117 925 1119
For women in emotional distress, particularly those who self-injure.

CALL (Wales) 0800 132 737
For help with feelings such as depression, anxiety or suicide.

Careline 020 8514 1177
Telephone counselling on a variety of issues.

ChildLine 0800 11 11
For children and young people.

First Steps To Freedom 01926 851 608
For people suffering from anxiety disorders or eating disorders.

Get Connected 0808 808 4994
For young people.

MindinfoLine 0845 766 0163
Information on almost anything to do with mental health.

NAPAC 0800 085 3330
For people abused in childhood.

No Panic 0808 808 0545
For people suffering from panic attacks, OCD or other anxiety disorders.

NHS Direct 0845 46 47
Health advice and information.

NHS 24 (Scotland) 08454 24 24 24
Health advice and support.

RASASC 08451 221 331
Confidential help and support for women and girls who have experienced rape or sexual abuse - however long ago.

Samaritans 08457 90 90 90
Confidential emotional support. You can also text them or visit them in person.

Saneline 0845 767 8000
Information, crisis care and emotional support for anybody affected by mental health problems.


US Helplines

Child Help USA (for children and adult survivors of abuse) 1-800-422-4453

Help Now Hotline 1-800-435-7609

Hope Line Network 1-800-784-2433

National Alliance for Mentally Ill 1-800-950-NAMI

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

National Drug and Alcohol Hotline 1-800-662-4357

National Eating Disorder Hotline 1-800-931-2237

National Mental Health Association 1-800-969-6642

National Suicide Hotline 1-888-784-2433

Panic Disorder Helpline 1-800-647-2642

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Helpline 1-800-656-4673

Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1-800-643-6250

United Way Crisis Help Line 1-800-233-4357


Canada Helplines

National Crisis Line 1-800-999-9999

Kids Help Phone 1-800 668 6868

Centre for Suicide Prevention
Lists crisis lines by province.


Thanks to Lea for providing the US and Canada helpline information.