Get Immediate Help
You don't have to
get through this alone.
If you are struggling right now, or thinking about suicide, help is available and you deserve it. Reach out to one of the services below. They are free, confidential, and there to listen.
Someone to talk to, 24/7
Samaritans
116 123
Free to call, day or night, whatever you are going through. You don't have to be suicidal to call. The number is free and won't appear on your phone bill. You can also email jo@samaritans.org.
24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Shout
Text SHOUT to 85258
A free, confidential, 24/7 text support service if you would rather not speak on the phone. Silent and useful when a phone call is not possible.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
NHS 24: Mental Health Hub
Call 111
Anyone in Scotland can phone 111 and choose the mental health option. You'll speak to an NHS psychological wellbeing practitioner who can offer support and point you to the right local services. Free, and it won't appear on your bill.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Childline
0800 11 11
If you are under 19 you can talk to Childline about anything, big or small. Free, confidential, and you don't have to give your name. Phone, 1-2-1 chat or message at childline.org.uk.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger
Text YM to 85258
Free, 24/7 text support for young people, run with Shout on the same shortcode. For when you need someone in the moment.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The Mix Crisis Messenger
Text THEMIX to 85258
For under 25s. Free, 24/7 in-the-moment support for any issue, not only mental health.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If life is in danger right now
Call 999
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or you have seriously harmed yourself, call 999 for emergency services, or go straight to your nearest A&E department.
Evenings & weekends
Breathing Space
0800 83 85 87
A free, confidential phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over 16 feeling low, anxious or depressed. Webchat at breathingspace.scot.
Mon to Thu 6pm to 2am · Weekends 24 hours (Fri 6pm to Mon 6am)
CALM
0800 58 58 58
The Campaign Against Living Miserably. For anyone 18 and over. Phone, webchat and WhatsApp support at thecalmzone.net.
5pm to midnight, every day of the year
SANEline
0300 304 7000
Out-of-hours emotional support for anyone 16 and over affected by mental illness, including family and carers.
4pm to 10pm, every day of the year
The Mix helpline
0808 808 4994
Support for under 25s on any issue. Hours vary, so check the site for current times at themix.org.uk.
Phone lines open most days, check online
Scotland & online
Suicide Prevention Scotland →
The national directory of suicide prevention services, searchable by area. The best starting point for finding a local route to help.
SAMH Information Service →
Information and signposting, not a crisis line. Phone 0344 800 0550 or webchat, 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
NHS inform: Surviving Suicidal Thoughts →
An NHS resource with real stories from people in Scotland who have lived through suicidal thoughts, plus practical advice and how to find urgent help.
Whatever you are feeling right now, it can change. Reaching out is not a weakness, it is one of the bravest things a person can do. Please make the call.
I'm a mental health trainer, and this page is here to point you towards people who can help. The organisations listed are independent and run their own services, so I can't speak for them, but I trust them and I'm glad they exist. If you're in immediate danger, please call 999. Whoever you reach out to, reaching out is the right move.