Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 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 112 or 999.
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.
Samaritans
The Samaritans telephone service is available 24 hours a day for confidential, non-judgmental support.
Freephone 116 123
jo@samaritans.ie
samaritans.ie
ChildLine
Freephone 1800 66 66 66
Free text 'Talk' to 50101
Text About It
Text About It is a free, 24/7 service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for your mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Free-text HELLO to 50808 for an anonymous chat with a trained volunteer, any time.
Related topics
Supporting someone who might be suicidal
What to do if someone is attempting suicide
Organisations that provide mental health supports and services