If you are going through a very hard time, you don’t have to carry it alone. Here, country by country, are helplines run by public bodies and support organisations. A real person will answer.
United States
Helplines
988 · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Emotional crisis and suicide risk, by call, text or chat. Confidential. Hours: Any time, every day. Free. official source (988 Lifeline).
988 · 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone. Call or text, in English and French. Texting is free only with an unlimited text plan. Hours: Any time, 24/7/365. Free. official source (988.ca).
Emergencies
911 · If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help. official source (Government of Canada).
Checked on 8 October 2026.
United Kingdom
Helplines
116 123 · Samaritans. Someone to listen if you are struggling. Free from any phone. Hours: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Free. official source (Samaritans).
116 123 · Samaritans. Confidential listening support. Freephone. Hours: Any time. Free. official source (HSE).
HELLO → 50808 · Text About It. Crisis support by text: text HELLO to 50808. Hours: 24 hours. Free. official source (HSE).
1800 111 888 · HSE mental health information line. Information about mental health services (not a crisis line). Hours: Any time. Free. official source (HSE).
Emergencies
112 · If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. official source (HSE).
999 · If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. official source (HSE).
Checked on 8 October 2026.
Australia
Helplines
13 11 14 · Lifeline. Crisis support. Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. official source (healthdirect (Australian Government)).
Emergencies
000 · If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now (Triple Zero). official source (healthdirect (Australian Government)).
Checked on 8 October 2026.
New Zealand
Helplines
1737 · 1737, Need to talk?. Call or text for brief emotional support with trained counsellors. Hours: 24/7. Free. official source (1737).
024 · Línea 024 de atención a la conducta suicida. If you are thinking about suicide or are in that kind of crisis. Answered by trained staff; sign-language video interpreting available. Hours: Any time, every day. Free. official source (Ministerio de Sanidad).
717 003 717 · Teléfono de la Esperanza. Crisis support line. official source (Teléfono de la Esperanza).
900 20 20 10 · Teléfono ANAR de ayuda a niños y adolescentes. For under-18s, anywhere in Spain. Confidential: a psychologist will listen. Free. official source (Fundación ANAR).
116 111 · Teléfono ANAR (número europeo). The same ANAR service for under-18s in Aragon, Asturias, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Ceuta, Extremadura, La Rioja, Navarre, Madrid, Melilla, Murcia and Valencia. official source (Fundación ANAR).
Emergencies
112 · Emergencies (medical, accidents, danger). Free from landlines and mobiles. official source (Punto de Acceso General (Gobierno de España)).
Checked on 8 October 2026.
Are you in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia or another Spanish-speaking country? Their helplines are on the Spanish page.
What to say when you call
You don’t need to have it worked out or find the right words. Something as simple as “I’m having a really hard time and I need to talk to someone” is enough.
If it is hard to speak, say that too: “I find this hard to say.” You can go slowly, pause or cry. There is a person on the other end who is there to listen.
If you call emergency services, say first where you are and what is happening, and stay on the line until they tell you.
If you are worried about someone else
Tell them they matter to you and ask how they really are. Listen without rushing and without lecturing; you don’t need to have the answers.
You can offer to look up the helpline for their country together, or to stay with them while they call.
If you think their life is in danger right now, call emergency services and, if you can do so safely, stay with them.
compartiendo.org is not an emergency service and is not a substitute for professional help. This page does not call or alert anyone: you dial the number yourself. Numbers can change; if one does not answer, call your country’s emergency number.