We’ve all been living through uncertain and difficult times recently. Whether we are worried about the big stuff – or the small, it’s OK to feel overwhelmed, down, or anxious – and it may help to talk about how you're feeling.
Usually, your GP is the first place you should go if you have concerns about your mental health that won’t go away – or if you have thoughts about suicide at any time.
Contact the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub by calling 111 if you need to get help when your GP isn’t open or available.
You may prefer to get free, confidential support by phone or online. You can:
- Call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time of the day or night
- Call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or visit their website
- Message SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 text support on your mobile
- If you are a child or young person, you can call Childline on 0800 1111 or talk to them online
- Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or use their webchat here. The helpline and webchat are both open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
For more ideas on organisations that could help you with a range of worries – relationships, money, violence and abuse, discrimination, housing, and immigration, please see our list of help and support services below.
Help and support services
Organisations and services that offer help and support directly to people who are experiencing mental health problems:
NHS Mental Health Hub: If you need urgent support for your mental or emotional health, you can call the NHS24 Mental Health Hub on 111. The service is open 24 hours every day for anyone in Scotland.
Samaritans: If you are going through a difficult time, you can get in touch with Samaritans. They are there, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Call 116 123 or drop them an [email protected] .
Rape Crisis Scotland: The Rape Crisis Scotland National Helpline provides support for anyone in Scotland affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 08088 01 03 02 any day between 6pm and midnight.
Scottish Women’s Aid: Scottish Women’s Aid is the lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse. Find out more about the organisation on their website.
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: If you feel scared of or around your partner or if you are worried about someone you know, get in touch with Scotland’s 24-hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234, [email protected] or visit their website.
Children and young people
Childline: Childline provides online information and resources 24/7, as well as live counselling services (speak to a Childline counsellor online or on the phone) between 9am and midnight. Call 0800 1111.
The Mix: If you are under 25, The Mix are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Phone the helpline on 0808 808 4994, open between 3pm and midnight every day. You can also contact them through email, their Crisis Messenger and 1-2-1 Chat.
Young Scot: Young Scot is the national information and citizenship organisation supported by the Scottish Government for young people aged 11–26 in Scotland. Find information about how to look after your emotional wellbeing, and tips on how to promote a positive mindset on their #AyeFeel resource.
LGBTQIA+
Stonewall Scotland: Information and support for LGBT+ communities and their allies. Call Stonewall's Information Service for free on 0800 050 2020. Lines are open 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
LGBT Youth Scotland: If you are a young person looking for support, information or advice you can chat with LGBT Youth Scotland’s Digital Youth Work Team by [email protected] .
Find out more about online support and other ways to be in touch on their website.
Refugee protection
Scottish Refugee Council: Scottish Refugee Council is dedicated to supporting people in need of refugee protection. Call 0808 196 7274 during their opening hours.
If you are experiencing housing issues
Shelter Scotland: Shelter Scotland works to give people struggling with bad housing or homelessness the help they need, through advice, support and legal services. Their confidential advice helpline is the best way to contact them for any emergencies and urgent housing-advice matters. The free helpline is open weekdays from 9am until 5pm. Call 0808 800 4444.
Citizens Advice
Scotland's Citizens Advice Helpline: For free, one-to-one and impartial general advice on employment, housing, debt, benefits and consumer issues like energy bills as well as many other topics, phone 0800 028 1456. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Parents
Parentline: Children 1st provides emotional and practical support and advice to families across the country. If you live in Scotland call 08000 28 22 33 free, go to the Children 1st website for advice and support, or start a webchat.