Printable sheet
What to say tonight
Keep your voice low, use short sentences and deal with one thing at a time.
Open the conversation
“I've noticed you don't seem like yourself. You don't have to explain everything, but I'm here.”
“Would you like me to listen, sit quietly with you, or help with one practical thing?”
If you are worried about suicide
“Are you thinking about suicide?”
Take them seriously. Do not promise secrecy. If they may act now, have a plan they intend to carry out, have taken an overdose or are badly injured, call 999.
If they are frightened or saying things you do not believe
“I can see this feels frightening. I don't see it the same way, but I want to help you feel safer.”
Do not argue about the belief or pretend to agree. Reduce noise, give space and do not touch them without asking.
One next step
“Can we call for advice together? You can sit beside me and you don't have to do all the talking.”
Immediate danger anywhere in the UK: 999
England: 111, mental-health option
Wales: 111, press 2
Scotland: NHS 24 on 111, mental-health option
Northern Ireland: contact their GP/out-of-hours service for urgent medical help; Lifeline 0808 808 8000 for crisis support.
Samaritans: 116 123, for listening support across the UK
Routes and sources: hereforsomeone.org.uk/urgent/
Urgent contact routes checked: 1 October 2026. Other sources checked: 29 August 2026. Full context and sources: quick help, suicide concern and paranoia and hallucinations.