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:
- feel great emotional distress or anxiety
- feel you can’t cope with day-to-day life or work
- think about suicide or self-harm
- experience hallucinations and hearing voices.
A 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 may be a symptom of dementia.
Read about the symptoms of dementia.
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.
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
A free 24/7 text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis.
Text HELLO to 50808, anytime day or night.
Visit www.text50808.ie for more information.
