Crisis Lines Vs Counselling

Knowing Where to Turn When You’re Struggling

When you’re struggling mentally or emotionally, it can be hard to know what kind of support you need — or where to find it. If life feels overwhelming, or if you’re facing thoughts or feelings that feel frightening or hard to cope with, please know this: you are not alone, and there is help available.

It’s important to understand the difference between a crisis line and counselling, and to know there are other support options like NHS 111, GPs, and A&E when urgent mental health help is needed.

What is a Crisis Line?

Crisis lines are there for those moments when you need support right now. They’re free, confidential, and available 24/7. You don’t have to be in immediate danger to call — if you’re feeling panicked, hopeless, afraid, or just need someone to talk to, they’ll be there to listen without judgment and help you stay safe.

These services don’t offer ongoing therapy, but they can make all the difference in a moment of crisis — helping you breathe, ground, and know that someone cares.

UK Crisis Services You Can Contact Anytime

Samaritans
Call: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Website: www.samaritans.org
A safe, confidential place to talk about anything that’s troubling you — day or night.

SHOUT (Text Support)
Text: SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7)
Website: www.giveusashout.org
Free, confidential text support in moments of crisis or distress. You’ll be supported by a trained volunteer via text message.

Papyrus HOPELINEUK (For young people or those supporting them)
Call: 0800 068 41 41
Text: 07860 039967
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Specialist suicide prevention support for under-35s, or anyone concerned about a young person.

Childline (For children and young people up to age 19)
Call: 0800 1111 (free, 24/7)
Website: www.childline.org.uk
A safe, confidential space for young people to talk about anything — anxiety, bullying, abuse, family issues, or low mood.

The Mix (For young people under 25)
Call: 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight)
Text: THEMIX to 85258 for crisis support
Website: www.themix.org.uk
Support for anything from mental health and self-harm to housing, relationships, or drug use — via phone, text, and online chat.

Rape Crisis England & Wales
Call: 0808 500 2222 (free, 24/7)
Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Confidential support for anyone who has experienced rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence — recently or in the past. Offers emotional support, practical advice, and help accessing local services.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
Call: 0808 2000 247 (free, 24/7)
Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
For anyone experiencing domestic abuse — emotional, physical, sexual, financial, or coercive. Offers support, advice, and practical help.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Call: 0800 9177 650
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Speak to someone who understands, find local meetings, and begin your recovery journey.

Emergency Services
Call: 999
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Other NHS Mental Health Options

NHS 111 – Option 2 (Mental Health Support)
Call: 111 (free, 24/7)
If you’re in mental health distress but unsure whether it’s an emergency, call 111 and press Option 2. You’ll be connected to your local mental health crisis team, who can provide advice, support, and next steps.

Your GP (Doctor)
If you’re feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed, your GP can help with initial support, signposting, referrals to NHS counselling, or medication. It’s a good first step if you’re not in crisis but know something’s not right.

A&E (Accident & Emergency)
If you’re at serious risk of harm or experiencing a severe mental health crisis, you can go to your nearest A&E department. Mental health emergencies are just as important as physical ones — and you deserve the same care.

How is Counselling Different?

Crisis lines are there to get you through the worst moments — to keep you safe when it all feels too much. Counselling is where we begin to make sense of those moments.

In counselling, we gently explore the root causes of your struggles — whether that’s trauma, addiction, anxiety, low self-worth, or relationship difficulties. It’s a safe, non-judgmental space to understand yourself more deeply, process past pain, and move forward.

I offer down-to-earth, trauma-informed counselling online or in-person (Brenchley, near Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge). You don’t need to have the words — we can work creatively too, using art, story, and nature to help you reconnect and feel more like you.

Which Support is Right for You?

If you’re in immediate crisis — reach out to a crisis service, call 111 (option 2), or go to A&E.
If you want to begin your healing journey — counselling could be the next step toward feeling lighter, more connected, and more in control of your life.

You Deserve Support

I offer a free, no-pressure introductory video call to see if counselling feels right for you. You can reach out via:

Email: louisemalyancounselling@gmail.com
Website: www.wildfirecounsellingtherapy.co.uk

You don’t have to face this alone. Whether you need help now, or you're ready to begin the deeper work of healing — support is here, and you are worthy of receiving it.

Louise x