First β tell a trusted adult
Before anything online, the most powerful first step is almost always: tell one trusted adult. A parent, an aunt or uncle, a coach, a school counselor, a teacher you like, a friend's parent. You do not need the right words. Just say: "Can I talk to you about something? I don't really know how to start."
Helplines you can call or text
πΊπΈ United States β 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 Β· Free, 24/7, confidential. For anyone in emotional crisis β you do not have to be in danger to call. 988lifeline.org
πΊπΈ Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 Β· Free, 24/7. A trained counselor will text you back. crisistextline.org
π¬π§ United Kingdom β Childline
Call 0800 1111 Β· Free, 24/7, for anyone under 19. childline.org.uk
π¨π¦ Canada β Kids Help Phone
Call 1-800-668-6868 Β· Text CONNECT to 686868 Β· Free, 24/7. kidshelpphone.ca
π¦πΊ Australia β Kids Helpline
Call 1800 55 1800 Β· Free, 24/7, ages 5β25. kidshelpline.com.au
π Other countries
Find a helpline in your country at findahelpline.com. They list free, confidential lines worldwide.
If you are in immediate danger
Call your local emergency number right now: 911 (US/CA), 999 (UK), 000 (AU), 112 (most of Europe). You can also walk into a hospital emergency room. You will be helped.
Being there for a friend
If a friend tells you they're hurting, the kindest thing you can do is:
- Listen. Don't try to fix it. Just be there.
- Take it seriously. Even if it sounds dramatic. Especially then.
- Tell a trusted adult. If your friend is talking about hurting themselves, you cannot keep that secret. Telling an adult is not betrayal β it is the most loving thing you can do. They may be upset with you for a while. They will be alive to be upset with you, and that matters more.