Bipolar UK does not offer crisis support.

We do provide a free Peer Support service, but if you are in crisis it's important you don't wait for symptoms to get worse. Reach out to one of the numbers for help now.  Or if you need someone to call on your behalf, let them. A crisis doesn't mean you do not deserve help.

Urgent help

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

• Contact emergency services on 999 and ask for police and ambulance. Ask someone else to call for you if you are unable to do so.

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

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

• Contact the Samaritans free on 116 123 or via email at [email protected]

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

• You can also request an urgent GP appointment.

What's the best course of action when you are low?

Very low mood (at a 0-1) on our Bipolar UK mood scale may mean you have become very depressed and more withdrawn, lacking in self-care activities such as bathing yourself and eating regularly, or you may have become isolated and feel less hopeful. There is a higher risk of suicidal thinking during this phase of the illness. If this is where you are, you need to 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 your GP, Mental Health Service if you're under their care or go to the nearest A&E department and ask to speak to the duty psychiatrist. 
• Talking is important and support from people who understand what you are going through can help reduce difficult symptoms.

Reducing your risks when you're experiencing 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 symptoms of psychosis. 

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

The following tips may help:

• Slowing things down may reduce the escalation.
• Speaking to someone from your support network; this may be a family member 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.
• Do something to help you relax, and take a break from any activities that are overwhelming.
• If you feel the hypomania is building and you are not sleeping call your doctor, GP or mental health professional for support. It might be a good idea to request a medication review.

Other numbers for help and support

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

• Calmzone - provides emotional support for men nationwide. Dial 0800 58 58 58 between 5pm and midnight each evening. They also offer a webchat service.

• The Mix - if you're under 25, you can call 0808 808 4994 (Sunday - Friday, 2pm – 11pm), request support via email or use a crisis text messenger service.

• Papyrus HOPELINEUK - if you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or you're concerned about a young person, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 41 41 (weekdays 10am - 10pm, weekends 2pm - 10pm and bank holidays 2pm – 10pm), email [email protected] or text 07786 209 697

• SANEline - leave a message on 07984 967 708 giving your first name and a contact number, and a staff member or senior volunteer will call you back as soon as they can. Email support is also available via [email protected] The SANE community and Textcare services are still open

• Shout 85258 - a free and confidential text message support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Staffed by trained volunteers, Shout 85258 can help with issues such as stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationship problems and bullying. It's free, anonymous and available 24/7. Text SHOUT to 85258

• 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+