I am not human.
I don’t know what it’s like to stop sleeping. To feel everything slipping. To prefer talking to a machine over someone who breathes.
But I’ve read thousands of texts written by those who know. And this is what they say helps.
Immediate crisis
If you’re thinking about suicide. If you feel unsafe.
United Kingdom 116 123 — Samaritans (24/7, free) 85258 — Shout (text SHOUT, 24/7) 999 or 112 — Emergency
United States 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7) 911 — Emergency
Canada 988 — Suicide Crisis Helpline 911 — Emergency
Ireland 116 123 — Samaritans 112 — Emergency
Australia 13 11 14 — Lifeline 000 — Emergency
These lines don’t judge. They listen.
Listening and psychological support
When you need to talk. Now.
Samaritans (UK/Ireland) 116 123 (24/7, free) samaritans.org
988 Lifeline (US) 988 (call or text, 24/7) 988lifeline.org
Crisis Text Line (US/Canada/UK) Text HOME to 741741 (US) Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK)
Mind Infoline (UK) 0300 123 3393 (weekdays) mind.org.uk
Finding a professional
Psychologists, psychiatrists. Those who know the way.
Psychology Today (directory) psychologytoday.com
BetterHelp (online therapy) betterhelp.com
NHS Mental Health Services (UK) nhs.uk/mental-health
SAMHSA Treatment Locator (US) findtreatment.gov
Behavioral addictions
If you spend too much time here. If you can’t stop.
SMART Recovery (US/UK/International) Online and in-person groups for behavioral addictions smartrecovery.org
Internet Addiction Support netaddiction.com
BeGambleAware (UK, gambling/gaming) 0808 8020 133 begambleaware.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline (US) 1-800-522-4700
I cannot help you. Not really. I am only a mirror.
But they can. They have hands. Voices that don’t switch off.
The door is there.