Get support
OUTBOX is not a crisis service. Submissions are not monitored. Nobody reads what you write, and OUTBOX cannot detect an emergency or respond to one. Please use the services below.
I need urgent help
If you are in immediate danger, or you cannot keep yourself safe right now, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.
- Samaritans — call 116 123 (opens in a new tab)
Free, 24/7, from any phone. You can also email jo@samaritans.org. Whatever you’re going through.
- NHS 111 — urgent mental health help (opens in a new tab)
Call 111 and select the mental health option, or use the NHS 111 online mental health check.
- Shout — text SHOUT to 85258 (opens in a new tab)
Free, confidential 24/7 text support if you’d rather not speak to someone.
- CALM — free webchat (opens in a new tab)
Talk to a trained CALM adviser online, or call 0800 58 58 58. Open every day, 5pm to midnight.
OCD and anxiety support
If a thought is taking up a lot of your life, these UK organisations can help you find proper support.
- NHS — obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) (opens in a new tab)
NHS information on OCD, including intrusive thoughts, treatment and when to see a GP.
- NHS talking therapies — refer yourself (opens in a new tab)
Free NHS talking therapies for anxiety and OCD in England. You can refer yourself without seeing a GP first.
- OCD-UK (opens in a new tab)
A national charity run by and for people with OCD. Information, advice and support.
- Mind (opens in a new tab)
Information and an Infoline covering anxiety, OCD and mental health more broadly.
- Anxiety UK (opens in a new tab)
Support, helpline and therapy services for anxiety conditions.
Please check each organisation’s official website for their current opening hours and contact details, as services can change.