You do not need to diagnose yourself before seeking support. Describe recent difficulties, their effect on daily life and the help you want; address immediate danger first.
What to have ready
Before you start
The government's 18111 Mental Health Support Hotline operates around the clock throughout the year, with telephone and WhatsApp support and appropriate referral. Its WhatsApp account does not accept voice or video calls. SWD's Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness provide district support through self-application or referral by professionals, with services also covering applicable family members and carers. Contacting a centre is not the same as holding an HA psychiatric appointment. Explain whether you want listening support, practical help, ongoing counselling or assessment so the next step can be matched to your circumstances.
What to do, step by step
- If there is immediate danger, someone may be injured or safety cannot be maintained, call 999 or seek emergency assistance. A message waiting for a reply is not an emergency-response arrangement.
- For immediate support, phone 18111 or use its official WhatsApp account. Explain the current situation, where you are and whether you can speak privately, without needing a prepared diagnostic label.
- For continuing difficulties, ask the centre serving your district about self-application, target groups and an initial meeting. A family doctor or social worker can also discuss an appropriate referral.
- Record the agreed contact, appointment and next action. Bring relevant existing treatment or medication information to the professional, sharing sensitive records through the service's legitimate channel.
Costs, timing, and things to check
A carer can seek help for their own needs as well as the family member's. Ask the service about consent and information sharing rather than assuming access to another adult's clinical records.
An online questionnaire can start a conversation but does not replace professional assessment. Discuss medication and treatment changes with the responsible clinician rather than acting on a group-chat recommendation.
A practical example
A carer struggling with sleep and concentration can call 18111 to describe the pressure and ask about district carer support and self-application. They can separately discuss physical and sleep concerns with their family doctor. Write down each agreed follow-up and who will initiate it; receiving a contact number alone does not mean an appointment has been arranged or a referral accepted.
Address safety first, then choose immediate support or continuing follow-up.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.