Urgent mental health help
Get urgent help if you or someone else is in immediate danger, cannot stay safe, has suicidal thoughts with intent, or is experiencing a severe mental health crisis.
Understanding mental health
Mental health affects how people think, feel, cope with stress, build relationships and manage everyday life. Difficulties can range from temporary periods of stress or low mood to more serious emotional or psychological conditions.
People may experience mental health struggles during difficult periods involving:
Family and relationships
- Family separation
- Relationship breakdown
- Parenting pressures
- Conflict or safeguarding concerns
Money and housing
- Debt or financial hardship
- Benefit concerns
- Housing problems
- Homelessness or insecurity
Work and legal pressure
- Workplace stress
- Unemployment
- Court proceedings
- Ongoing disputes or uncertainty
Harm and trauma
- Domestic abuse
- Unhealthy relationships
- Trauma
- Grief or loss
Connection and support
- Isolation
- Loneliness
- Loss of support networks
- Social withdrawal
Long-term pressure
- Chronic stress
- Caring responsibilities
- Emotional exhaustion
- Uncertainty about the future
Common signs someone may be struggling
Mental health difficulties can affect people in different ways. Not everyone shows the same signs, and some people may hide how they are feeling while continuing to struggle internally.
Emotional signs
- Constant stress or worry
- Anxiety or panic
- Low mood or depression
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Hopelessness or isolation
Physical and daily-life signs
- Difficulty sleeping
- Exhaustion or burnout
- Changes in eating habits
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced ability to manage daily tasks
Behavioural signs
- Anger or emotional outbursts
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Loss of confidence
- Reduced motivation
- Avoiding responsibilities or activities
Life pressures and emotional wellbeing
Family pressure and emotional wellbeing
Family life can become emotionally challenging. Separation, conflict, financial pressure, parenting disagreements and safeguarding concerns can affect adults and children.
Parents may experience stress, emotional exhaustion, anxiety about children or finances, fear of losing contact, pressure from legal or financial systems, loneliness and burnout.
Children may also be affected by instability or conflict. Reducing conflict, maintaining routines and offering emotional reassurance can help support them.
Family separation and emotional supportFinancial stress and mental health
Debt, benefit concerns, housing instability, rising living costs and financial uncertainty may contribute to stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship strain.
Common concerns include paying bills or rent, providing for children, employment, arrears, housing security, legal costs and daily living expenses.
Seeking advice early may reduce pressure and help prevent problems escalating.
Financial stress and mental health guideDomestic abuse and emotional trauma
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender, background or relationship type. It may include emotional abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour, financial abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation and online or digital abuse.
Living in an unsafe or abusive environment can have serious emotional effects on adults and children. No person or child should remain in a situation that is unsafe or harmful.
Domestic abuse and trauma supportIsolation and loneliness
Relationship breakdown, family conflict, housing instability, unemployment and emotional stress can lead to loneliness or social withdrawal.
Maintaining contact with trusted people, joining suitable groups and accessing community or professional services may help reduce isolation.
Isolation and loneliness supportLooking after emotional wellbeing
Helpful steps may include:
Talk and connect
- Talk to someone trusted
- Stay connected with supportive people
- Contact a support group
- Tell someone when you are struggling
Professional support
- Speak to a GP
- Access counselling or therapy
- Contact local mental health services
- Seek help early
Daily wellbeing
- Maintain healthy routines
- Prioritise sleep and physical health
- Take breaks from overwhelming situations
- Reduce conflict where possible
Recovery and emotional wellbeing take time. Seeking support should never be seen as weakness.
Back to top ↑Mental health and wellbeing support services
General mental health support
- NHS mental health services
- Mind
- Samaritans — 116 123
- Rethink Mental Illness
- Shout — text SHOUT to 85258
Family and relationship support
Domestic abuse support
Crisis support
Right First Time UK guides
Specialist topics
What to do during an emotional or mental health crisis
A simple grounding and safety guide
When stress, panic, anxiety or emotional overwhelm becomes intense, it can be difficult to think clearly. Slowing things down and focusing on simple actions may help.
Pause and breathe gently
Try slowing your breathing without forcing it.
Stop if the exercise makes you feel more uncomfortable or light-headed.
Ground yourself in the present
Look around and notice your surroundings.
Move to a safer, calmer space
- Sit somewhere quieter if safe to do so
- Move away from arguments or immediate stress
- Lower noise and distractions
- Drink some water
- Step outside for fresh air when appropriate and safe
Contact someone you trust
Consider contacting a trusted friend, family member, GP, support worker or helpline.
“I’m struggling right now and need someone to stay in contact with me.”
Delay major decisions
During intense distress, try to delay major decisions and focus on safety.
- Step away from aggressive conflict
- Avoid harmful coping behaviours
- Do not isolate yourself completely
- Move away from anything you could use to harm yourself
Reach professional support
Contact NHS 111, your GP, a local crisis team, Samaritans or another suitable service. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Our message
Mental health struggles do not define a person, and nobody should feel ashamed for seeking support. Difficult experiences, family pressures, financial hardship, trauma or emotional exhaustion can affect anyone.
With suitable support, understanding and guidance, people and families can begin to rebuild stability, emotional wellbeing and hope for the future.
Support matters.
Understanding matters.
People matter.
Strong emotions can pass, even when they feel overwhelming in the moment. Take one small step at a time—breath by breath, moment by moment.