Finding Help in Crisis Moments
Mental health crises can be frightening and overwhelming, but you're not alone. This page compiles essential helplines and resources for immediate support during difficult times. Whether you're experiencing thoughts of suicide, severe anxiety, overwhelming emotions, or supporting someone else in crisis, reaching out is a crucial first step toward safety and recovery.
These helplines offer confidential support from trained professionals who understand what you're going through. They can provide immediate emotional support, crisis intervention strategies, safety planning, and connections to local resources for follow-up care.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please use one of the resources below.
Recognizing & Responding to a Mental Health Crisis
Mental health crises can manifest in different ways. It's important to recognize the warning signs and know how to respond effectively:
Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
A person may be experiencing a mental health crisis if they exhibit:
- Expressions of suicidal thoughts or intentions
- Threatening to harm themselves or others
- Severe agitation, aggression, or violent behavior
- Inability to care for themselves or perform basic functions
- Extreme withdrawal from normal activities or relationships
- Paranoia, hallucinations, or severe confusion
- Drastically impaired judgment or risky behavior
- Intense emotional distress with no relief
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Ensure Immediate Safety
If there is immediate danger of self-harm or harm to others, call emergency services (112 or 199 in Nigeria) right away. Do not leave the person alone until help arrives.
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Stay Calm and Listen
Approach the person calmly and speak in a clear, reassuring voice. Listen without judgment and validate their feelings. Avoid arguing or minimizing their concerns.
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Remove Potential Dangers
If possible, remove any objects that could be used for self-harm. Create a safe environment by reducing stimuli that might increase agitation (loud noises, bright lights, crowds).
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Contact a Crisis Helpline
Call one of the mental health crisis lines listed below for immediate guidance. They can provide support for both the person in crisis and for you as a helper.
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Seek Professional Help
Encourage connection with mental health professionals. This might mean going to a hospital emergency room, contacting their existing therapist, or scheduling an urgent appointment with a mental health provider.
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Follow Up and Support Recovery
After the immediate crisis has passed, offer continued support and help connect the person with ongoing mental health care. Check in regularly and help create a safety plan for future crises.
National Helplines in Nigeria
MANI (Mental Awareness Nigeria Initiative)
Suicide Prevention & Crisis SupportMANI provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. Trained counselors offer emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to local resources.
SURPIN (Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative)
Suicide PreventionSURPIN provides specialized support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or those concerned about a loved one at risk of suicide. They offer confidential counseling, assessment, and referrals.
The Sunshine Series
Depression & Anxiety SupportThe Sunshine Series focuses on depression and anxiety support. They provide a safe space to talk about your feelings, offer coping strategies, and connect you with mental health professionals.
Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP)
Professional Mental Health SupportNACP offers professional mental health guidance and can connect you with licensed clinical psychologists across Nigeria. They provide information about evidence-based mental health services and referrals.
Local Support in Asaba and Delta State
Hisparadise Therapy Crisis Line
Local Mental Health Crisis SupportOur dedicated crisis support line provides immediate help for those experiencing mental health emergencies in Asaba and surrounding areas. Our trained staff can provide phone counseling, crisis intervention, and coordinate with local emergency services if needed.
Federal Medical Centre, Asaba
Psychiatric Emergency ServicesThe Federal Medical Centre in Asaba has a psychiatric unit with emergency services for mental health crises. They provide assessment, stabilization, and inpatient care when necessary.
Delta State University Teaching Hospital
Mental Health DepartmentDELSUTH provides comprehensive mental health services including crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluation, and ongoing treatment. Their mental health department is staffed by psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and mental health nurses.
Emergency Services: 24/7
Delta State Mental Health Support Network
Community Support & ResourcesA local network of mental health professionals, support groups, and advocates providing resources, information, and community-based support for those experiencing mental health challenges in Delta State.
Specialized Helplines
Child Helpline Nigeria
Support for Children & YouthChild Helpline Nigeria provides counseling, support, and protection services for children and young people facing emotional distress, abuse, or mental health concerns.
Women's Crisis Helpline
Support for Women in CrisisSpecialized support for women facing gender-based violence, trauma, or mental health crises. Provides emotional support, safety planning, and connections to local resources.
Substance Abuse Helpline
Addiction SupportSupport for those struggling with substance use disorders. Offers crisis intervention, information about treatment options, and referrals to rehabilitation centers and support groups.
Student Mental Health Helpline
Student SupportDedicated support for students facing academic stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Provides peer support, crisis intervention, and connections to campus and community resources.
International Crisis Resources
International Association for Suicide Prevention
Global Resource DirectoryIASP maintains a comprehensive directory of crisis centers around the world. Useful for internationally mobile individuals or those supporting loved ones abroad.
7 Cups
Online Emotional SupportA free online text-chat service that connects individuals with trained listeners for emotional support. Available globally and offers support in multiple languages.