In a crisis: what to do if someone is in immediate danger

This lesson is about what to do when someone's safety is at risk, whether it is you or someone else. The most important message: help is available, crises pass, and people recover. Reaching out is always the right thing to do.

If you are struggling right now

• If you feel you cannot keep yourself safe, or you have hurt yourself, get help now: in the UAE call 998 for an ambulance or 999 for police, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. You can ask someone else to call for you.
• The NHS says a mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. Mind adds: you are not wasting anyone's time.
• Tell someone near you: a family member, friend or any adult you trust. The NHS says there is no right or wrong way to talk about these feelings; starting the conversation is what matters.
• If you are not in immediate danger but need to talk, call 800-SAKINA (800 725462), open 24/7 in Arabic and English, or Itma'en on 800506 (daily 9am to midnight).
• The NHS suggests getting to a safe place, being around other people, and trying not to think about the future: just focus on getting through today.

Things to remember in the hardest moments

• Feelings this intense can change, even when it seems impossible. Samaritans says most people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die; they want the pain or situation to stop.
• WHO highlights that stories of people overcoming a crisis show that getting through it is possible.
• You do not have to explain everything or have the right words. Saying 'I'm not okay and I need help' is enough.

If someone else is in immediate danger

• If someone's life is at risk or you do not feel you can keep them safe, call 999 or 998 straight away, or get an adult to call (NHS, adapted to UAE numbers).
• Mind advises staying calm, listening without judgement, and staying with them if they are at risk, as long as you are safe yourself.
• Get an adult involved immediately: a parent, teacher, security guard or anyone nearby.
• If they are online and you think they are in danger, tell an adult right away and share what you know about where they are, so help can reach them.

Asking directly is okay

• Samaritans says asking someone directly whether they are thinking about suicide does not put the idea in their head. It gives them permission to tell you how they feel.
• Samaritans adds that evidence shows asking could protect them, and that you should always take someone seriously if they talk about feeling suicidal.
• You can say: 'Sometimes when people feel like this, they think about suicide. Are you having thoughts like that?' Then listen, and get help together.
• Never treat it as attention-seeking or a joke. If someone says it, take it seriously and involve an adult.

Talking about suicide responsibly

• WHO guidance encourages sharing accurate information about where to get help and stories of coping and recovery.
• WHO advises against describing methods or locations, sensational language, or sharing photos and videos linked to someone's death. The same applies to group chats and social media.
• If you see a post where someone seems at risk, do not scroll past: tell a trusted adult and report it to the platform.