Get urgent help for a mental health issue

Urgent advice: Call 999 or 112 if:

  • you or someone you know is about to harm themselves or someone else

Mental health crisis

A mental health crisis often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation.

In a crisis, it is important that you get help as soon as possible.

You may be:

  • feeling severe emotional distress or anxiety
  • feeling unable to cope with demands of daily life or work
  • thinking about suicide or self-harm
  • having unusual experiences or beliefs, such as hearing voices, or thinking people are out to get you

A mental health crisis can also be the result of an underlying medical condition.

For example, confusion or delusions caused by:

  • an infection
  • an overdose
  • illicit drugs
  • intoxication with alcohol

Confusion can also be a symptom of dementia.

Find out about the symptoms of dementia - understandtogether.ie

Where to get help

GP and health centres

A GP can offer support for anyone in crisis. If possible, ask someone to come along with you.

Find a service near you:

Hospital emergency services

Go to or call the emergency department of your local general hospital.

Telephone emergency services

You can contact emergency services on 999 or 112.

HSE mental health services

If you are being supported by a mental health team, or have been in the past, contact the service for support in a crisis.

Mental health supports and services

Samaritans

The Samaritans telephone service is available 24 hours a day.

For confidential, non-judgmental support:

Freephone 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.ie
Visit www.samaritans.ie for details of the nearest branch

ChildLine

Freephone 1800 66 66 66
Free text the word 'Talk' to 50101

Text 50808

This is a free 24/7 text service, providing immediate support for people going through a mental health crisis.

Text HELLO to 50808, anytime day or night.

Visit the Text50808 website for more information

Supporting someone who might be suicidal

What to do if someone is attempting suicide

Page last reviewed: 1 September 2022
Next review due: 1 September 2025