In an Emergency Call 999 or go to A&E now. This includes overwhelming suicidal thoughts to the point we feel actively unsafe, self-damaging behaviours that are, or could shortly become, life threatening, overdoses and acute episodes of things like psychosis or mania. Yes, hospitals are busy, and an emergency department is rarely an ideal place for someone experiencing a mental health crisis, but it can absolutely be the best thing for us. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.
The Therapy & Mental Health Team at the University is available 9am-4.30pm on weekdays (until 4.15pm on a Friday) via therapy.mh@solent.ac.uk. Please note we are not a crisis team however we will endeavour to support you and signpost you correctly.
There is a Student Assistance Programme available 24/7.
Immediate Support
If you are feeling desperate or distressed right now there are a variety of support agencies you can contact. Some are for a specific age of people; some depend on where you currently are (geographically) and others depend on what sex or sexuality you identify with. Some are telephone numbers and others offer chat facilities, email, or text services. If your situation hasn’t reached crisis point, but you need some support, then the GP and other healthcare professionals are there to support you and you are as deserving of an appointment as anyone else.
• NHS URGENT MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE
Website
In Hampshire: Phone: 111 (24/7)
• SAMARITANS
Website
Freephone: 116 123 (24/7)
Email: jo@samaritans.org (24-hour response time)
• SHOUT
Website
Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24/7)
• STUDENT SPACE
Website
Freephone: 0808 808 4994 (3pm to 12am every day)
Text: STUDENT to 85258 (24/7)
Webchat 4pm to 11pm everyday
Email: student@themix.org.uk (24-hour response time)
Whilst in Southampton
• LIGHTHOUSE
Website
Text: LIGHTHOUSE and your postcode (for example LIGHTHOUSE SO14 0YN) to 07451 276010 (4.30-11.30pm every day)
Age Specific
• PAPYRUS/HOPELINE – If you are under 35 years old and experiencing suicidal thoughts
Website
Phone: 0800 068 4141 (open 9am until Midnight)
Text: 07860 039967 (open 9am until Midnight)
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org (24-Hour response time)
• MIX if you are under 25 years old
Website
Phone: 0808 808 4994 (4pm to 11pm Monday to Saturday)
Online Chat: 4pm to 11pm Monday to Saturday
Text: THEMIX to 85258 (24/7)
Sex, Sexuality or Gender Specific
• CAMPAIGN AGAINST LIVING MISERABLE (CALM) – If you identify as a male
Website
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to Midnight)
Webchat (5pm to Midnight)
• SWITCHBOARD – if you identify as LGBTQ+
Website
Phone: 0300 330 0630 (10am to 10pm)
Online chat: 7pm to 10pm
For more options visit the directory of UK helplines