When a support group is not enough, and where to turn

We believe in the power of talking. It is why Crossroads exists. But we also know a podcast and a support group cannot be everything to everyone. Sometimes you need more help than we can give, and knowing where to turn matters.

Signs you might need more support

Everyone has bad days. It might be time to look for more help if:

• you are struggling to get through ordinary things, like getting up, eating or going to work, for weeks at a time;
• you are using alcohol or drugs to cope;
• memories of something that happened to you keep forcing their way in;
• you have thoughts of harming yourself or that people would be better off without you.

If you are in danger right now, call 999. If you need to talk to someone today, Samaritans answer day and night, free, on 116 123.

Where to start

Your GP

Your GP can talk through how you are feeling, refer you for talking therapy and discuss treatment. In England you can also refer yourself for NHS talking therapies without seeing a GP first.

NHS 111

For urgent help with your mental health in England, call 111 and choose the mental health option. It is free and open all day and night.

Specialist services

Some experiences need people who know them inside out.

• Rape and sexual assault: the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis, is on 0808 500 2222, any time.
• Bereavement: Cruse Bereavement Support is on 0808 808 1677.
• Thoughts of suicide: CALM is on 0800 58 58 58, from 5pm to midnight every day, and Shout offers text support any time on 85258.

Using more than one kind of help

Getting professional help does not mean you have to stop coming to the group or listening to the show. Many people find the two work well together: a therapist to work through things one to one, and a group for company and understanding in between.

If you are outside the UK

Our listeners are all over the world. If you are outside the UK, call your local emergency number if you are in danger, and search findahelpline.com for a free crisis line in your country.

Asking for help is not a failure. It is often the bravest part of the whole story.