Crisis Helplines for Emotional Distress
How to Use This Page
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or crisis:
- Call the relevant helpline below for your country.
- These services are confidential, free, and available to everyone.
- If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical attention, contact your local emergency services (e.g., 112 in most of Europe, 911 in the US/Canada).
🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇬🇧 🇦🇺 🇩🇪 🇦🇹 🇨🇭
Remember: You are not alone, and support is available. Seeking help is a sign of strength.
🇺🇸 🇨🇦 United States & Canada
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US)
- Who it’s for: Anyone in emotional distress, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or needing immediate support.
- What it offers: 24/7 free, confidential support from trained crisis counsellors via phone, text, or online chat.
- Contact: Call or text 988 or start a chat at the Lifeline website.
- Website
NAMI HelpLine (National Alliance on Mental Illness, US)
- Who it’s for: Anyone seeking mental health information, support, or resources (not a crisis line).
- What it offers: Information, resource referrals, and emotional support for a wide range of mental health concerns.
- Contact: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) (Mon–Fri, 10am–10pm ET) or text “NAMI” to 62640.
- Website
Disaster Distress Helpline (US)
- Who it’s for: Anyone experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
- What it offers: 24/7 crisis counselling and support, with interpreters for 100+ languages.
- Contact: Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
- Website
Veterans Crisis Line (US)
- Who it’s for: US veterans, service members, and their families.
- What it offers: 24/7 confidential crisis support.
- Contact: Call 988, then press 1; text 838255; or chat online.
- Website
Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline
- Who it’s for: Anyone in Canada needing crisis support.
- What it offers: 24/7 crisis support in English and French.
- Contact: Call 988.
- Website
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Samaritans
- Who it’s for: Anyone in emotional distress or needing someone to talk to.
- What it offers: 24/7 free, confidential emotional support via phone, email, or online chat.
- Contact: Call 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.
- Website
SHOUT
- Who it’s for: Anyone in the UK needing immediate text-based support.
- What it offers: 24/7 confidential crisis text support from trained volunteers.
- Contact: Text SHOUT to 85258.
- Website
🇦🇺 Australia
Lifeline
- Who it’s for: Anyone experiencing emotional distress or crisis.
- What it offers: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services via phone or online chat.
- Contact: Call 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website.
- Website
🇩🇪 Germany
TelefonSeelsorge
- Who it’s for: Anyone in emotional distress, available in German and English.
- What it offers: 24/7 free, confidential support via phone or online chat.
- Contact: Call 0800 111 0 111, 0800 111 0 222, or 116 123; online chat at the TelefonSeelsorge website.
- Website
International Helpline Berlin
- Who it’s for: English speakers in Germany.
- What it offers: Emotional support by phone.
- Contact: Call 030 44 01 06 07.
🇦🇹 Austria
TelefonSeelsorge
- Who it’s for: Anyone in emotional distress, available in German and English.
- What it offers: 24/7 free, confidential support.
- Contact: Call 142.
- Website
Crisis Intervention Centre Vienna
- Who it’s for: Anyone in crisis, English spoken.
- What it offers: Crisis counseling and support.
- Contact: Call 01 406 95 95.
- Website
Rat auf Draht
- Who it’s for: Children and adolescents in distress.
- What it offers: 24/7 free, confidential support
- Contact: Call 147 or online chat.
- Website
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Die Dargebotene Hand
- Who it’s for: Anyone in emotional distress, available in German, French, Italian, and English.
- What it offers: 24/7 free, confidential support via phone and online chat.
- Contact: Call 143 or visit 143.ch.
- Website
Disclaimer: This list is for informational purposes only. My Daily Companion and Files from Elsewhere do not provide medical or therapeutic services and do not replace professional mental health care. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please use the resources above or contact a qualified healthcare provider immediately.