How to Prevent Mental Illness
May 15, 2026
How to Prevent Mental Illness There is no guaranteed way to prevent mental illness. However, many people can reduce their risk or manage early symptoms by looking after their mental wellbeing, buildin...
If you are feeling suicidal or are worried you might act on thoughts of self-harm, do not wait.
You are experiencing a medical emergency, and the NHS is equipped to help you right now.
If you are in immediate danger:
Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Go to your nearest A&E department.
Call 111 and select the option for Mental Health (available 24/7).
It is a common myth that A&E is only for physical accidents like broken bones. In reality, a mental health crisis is a life-threatening emergency.
Because the UK does not have separate “Mental Health A&Es,” the emergency department is the primary gateway to urgent psychiatric care. If your life is at risk, A&E is exactly where you belong.
When you arrive, the process is designed to keep you safe and get you specialist support as quickly as possible.
1. Triage and Initial Assessment
A nurse will see you to assess your immediate safety. If you have already harmed yourself or taken an overdose, they will treat your physical needs first. If you are there because of suicidal thoughts, they will find a quiet, safe space for you to wait.
2. The Mental Health Liaison Team
Most A&E departments have a dedicated Mental Health Liaison Team. This team is made up of psychiatric nurses and doctors who specialise in crisis care.
They will talk to you about how you are feeling.
They will assess your risk and history.
They will work with you to decide the best next step for your recovery.
3. Decisions on Your Care
Depending on your needs, the team may:
Create a Safety Plan: If you are safe to go home, they will provide a plan and contact details for community crisis teams.
Home Treatment Team: They may arrange for specialists to visit you at home daily until the crisis passes.
Hospital Admission: If you are at high risk, they may suggest you stay on a psychiatric ward for a few weeks where you can receive intensive treatment in a protected environment.
Ambulance crews are highly trained in mental health crisis management. If you call 999, the paramedics will:
Provide immediate emotional support and a safe environment.
Assess if you can be supported at home or if you need to go to the hospital.
Ensure you are handed over to the hospital psychiatric team safely.
Suicidal thoughts are often a symptom of severe depression or acute distress—conditions that are treatable. Most people who receive help for a mental health crisis go on to recover and feel significantly better.
Talking about your feelings is the first step toward safety. Whether it is a friend, a family member, or a doctor, please reach out.
If you aren’t ready to go to A&E but need to talk, these services are free and confidential:
Samaritans: Call 116 123.
Shout Crisis Text Line: Text “SHOUT” to 85258.
SANEline: Call 0300 304 7000.
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