I want to talk to someone about how I am feeling

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I want to talk to someone about how I am feeling

I want to talk to someone about how I am feeling

If you are 18 or older and live in England, this is for you.

Sometimes life feels really hard, and it can help to talk about how you are feeling. Talking about your worries can make things feel a bit lighter.

You might want to speak to someone you trust, like a friend or family member. But if that’s not easy, there are special phone lines you can call. They are called emotional support helplines. See below for more information.

How can I start conversation about my mental health?

You are not alone, and people care about you. Remember, you are not a burden – people who care about you want to help.

You can:

Pick someone you trust – This could be a friend, family member, teacher, or someone at work.
Choose a quiet moment – Find a time when you both are not busy or distracted.
Start small – You can say something like, ‘Can I talk to you about something?’, ‘I’ve been finding things hard lately,’ or “can I talk to you about something that’s been on my mind?’
Be honest – Share how you are really feeling. You do not have to explain everything at once.
Use words that feel right – It’s okay to say ‘I am sad,’, ‘I am worried,” or ‘I do not know why I feel this way.’
Let them know what you need – Do you just want someone to listen? Or help finding support?
Take your time – You do not have to rush. Talking can take courage, and that’s okay.

Which emotional support lines can I try?

Emotional support lines will not judge you, and they are ready to listen. The people there are kind. They provide a safe and confidential space to speak about your emotions.

Many of the people on these helplines understand what it’s like to have challenges with mental health. Because they have been through it too.

Some emotional support lines to try are:

Samaritans
If you are feeling really upset or going through a tough time, Samaritans are there to help you. They’re a charity with kind people who will listen to you and support you. You can call them 24/7. Some local branches also offer face-to-face support.

Phone: 116 123
Address: Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org

The National Suicide Prevention Helpline
National helpline who are there for anyone in the UK who is experiencing thoughts of suicide, or self-harm, and needs support.

Phone: 0800 587 0800
Website: www.spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk

PAPYRUS
Papyrus is there to help if you are under 35 and thinking about suicide or know someone who is. You can talk to them about how you are feeling, and they will listen and support you.

Phone: 0800 068 41 41
Text: 88247
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

C.A.L.M. (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
If you are feeling really low or having thoughts of suicide, CALM is a place you can turn to. You can talk to them for free through their phone line or online chat. They will listen, support you, and help you find the right help. No matter where you live in the UK, CALM is there for you.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58
Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/feeling-suicidal
Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Sane
Work with anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers.

Phone: 0300 304 7000
Textcare: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/textcare
Website: www.sane.org.uk

SupportLine
Support line offers confidential emotional support by telephone, email and post.

Phone: 01708 765200
Email: info@supportline.org.uk
Website: www.supportline.org.uk

The Mix
If you’re under 25 and need help but don’t know where to turn, call the Mix for free. They’ll explore your situation with you and find organisations that may be able to help you further.

Phone counselling: www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team/the-mix-counselling-service
Webchat: 1 to 1 chat service: www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team
Website: www.themix.org.uk

Mood Swings
Aimed at anyone affected by a mood disorder, including friends, families, and carers.

Phone: 0161 832 37 36
Email: info@moodswings.org.uk
Website: www.moodswings.org.uk

Silverline
The helpline, run by Age UK, is a free, confidential phone service for older people. They provide friendship, conversation, and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Phone: 0800 4 70 80 90
Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk

Other ways to find support

I want urgent help

If you are worried you might hurt yourself, attempt suicide, or feel like others are at risk, please find urgent support for your mental health.

Find urgent help I want urgent help

I want to talk to someone

Here you can find details of free and confidential emotional support lines. If you want to talk about how you are feeling, they are happy to listen.

Find emotional support I want to talk to someone

I want advice to help myself now

Our self-help guides can help you if you need ‘in the moment’ help to deal with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, hearing voices or panic attacks.

See our crisis guides I want advice to help myself now

I want local or online support

Find out about peer support groups and community support services. Also, local crisis houses, cafés, helplines, and other local services and online support.

Search in your area I want local or online support