Answersfor a Broken Heart
Menu

If the hurt has become dangerous

If you feel unsafe right now

You do not need to solve your life tonight. The goal for this moment is simpler: stay alive, get near another person, and let someone help carry the next hour with you.

Do not stay alone with this.

Move toward another person now—a spouse, parent, friend, pastor, neighbor, coworker, emergency department, or another safe public place. Tell someone plainly: “I do not feel safe being alone right now.”

1. Put distance between you and anything you could use to hurt yourself.

Move away from it or ask another person to secure it for you. Make the next few minutes safer while help is being connected.

2. Tell one real person exactly what is happening.

You do not need a polished explanation. Use direct words: “I am afraid I might hurt myself,” or “I do not trust myself to be alone right now.”

3. Connect with immediate crisis support.

In the United States and its territories, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call, text, or online chat. You do not have to wait until things get worse to use it.

4. If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call emergency services now.

In the United States, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you are outside the United States, contact your local emergency service or crisis line.

For the person helping: stay with them when you can, take statements about self-harm seriously, and bring in additional help rather than trying to carry the situation by yourself.

This page is for immediate support and does not replace professional medical or mental-health care. Once the immediate danger has passed, continue with qualified professional and pastoral support rather than treating the crisis as finished simply because the worst moment eased.