Sometimes we can need a little more support. If you feel that you are in crisis we have provided some information on who you can contact below in addition to the free Peer Support provided by Bipolar UK.  Don't wait for symptoms to get worse reach out for help as soon as possible.  If you need someone to call on your behalf do let them, a crisis doesn't mean you do not deserve help.

What's the best course of action in a crisis situation?

Low Mood at a 0-1 on our Bipolar UK mood scale may mean you have become very depressed and more withdrawn, lacking in self-care activities such as bathing yourself and eating regularly, or you may have become isolated and feel less hopeful.  A higher risk of suicidal thinking can occur in this phase of the illness.  If this is where you are, you should seek help and talk to those around you or reach out to professionals who can help. 

• Speak to your friends, family and peer support network if you have one.
• Reach out to professionals, including GP, Mental Health Service if under their care or attend the nearest A&E department and ask to speak to the on-duty psychiatrist. 
• Talking is important, and support from people who understand what you are going through can help difficult symptoms reduce.

Urgent Help!

If you are feeling suicidal or have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else and cannot stay safe:

• Contact emergency services on 999 and ask for police and ambulance, ask someone to call for you if you are unable.

• Go to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department or ask someone to take you - you can find this through NHS Choices

• Call NHS 111 and ask to speak to a mental health professional.

• Call the Samaritans on 116 123 or contact [email protected]

• If you are under the care of your local mental health team you can contact them for support along with the local crisis team. You can request out of hours help too. 

• You can also request an urgent GP appointment

Reducing your risks with mania and hypomania

Hypomania can be a productive phase of the condition, and sometimes people can accomplish activities and enjoy their more elevated mood. However, there is also time when this can tip into full mania, with risky behaviour and possible psychotic symptoms. 

With hypomania you may be feeling agitated, anxious and have lots of energy, talking fast or rushing from task to task. You may also find you are spending more or wanting to spend money without worrying about your budget.

Slowing things down can help to reduce the escalation: the following tips may help

• Speaking to someone from your support network; this may be family or friend. They may have noticed your mood is a bit more elevated, and will be able to speak to you about the way you are feeling.
• Have something you can do to help relax, and take a break from the activity which is overwhelming.
• If you feel the hypomania is building and you are not sleeping call your doctor, GP or mental health professional for support, and if necessary request a medication review.

Alternative numbers for Help and Support

Please note: due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation some organisations are closed or are working at a reduced capacity, therefore please check their websites for the most recent update on their services. 

• Shout 85258 is a free and confidential text message support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. Staffed by trained volunteers, Shout 85258 is available 24/7 and designed to enable individuals to take their next steps towards feeling better. Shout can help with issues such as stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationship problems and bullying. 

 Text SHOUT to 85258 for immediate support. It's free, anonymous and available at any time of day or  night. 

• Ring SANEline Although our previous SANEline number cannot operate at the moment, you can leave a message on 07984 967 708 giving your first name and a contact number, and one of our professionals or senior volunteers will call you back as soon as practicable. You can also email us at [email protected], and we will respond as soon as possible. Our normal Support Forum and Textcare services are still open.

• The Calmzone provides emotional support for men nationwide. Dial 0800 58 58 58 between 5pm and midnight each evening.

• Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email [email protected] or text 07786 209 697.

• Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email [email protected] or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.

• The Mix. If you're under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2pm–11pm), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.Do you need help now? Our crisis messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing any painful emotion or are in crisis, you can text THEMIX to 85258. https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team/crisis-messenger.