What if I am embarrassed?

Embarrassment can wait. Safety cannot. Send the message anyway.

What if I do not want to scare them?

A clear message helps people understand that you need support. You are allowed to be honest.

Should I call 988 or text someone first?

If you are in immediate danger, call or text 988 or emergency services now. You can also text someone while you wait.

Yes, if they are safe and responsive. But if you are in immediate danger, use crisis or emergency support too.

If you might hurt yourself or are not safe right now

Call or text 988 in the U.S. now, contact emergency services, or get near a trusted person. You do not need to settle a spiritual question alone while you are in immediate danger.

Call or text 988 Chat with 988

Crisis-Safe Words

How to Tell Someone You Are Not Safe

When you are overwhelmed, finding the right words can feel impossible. You can borrow these words.

Last updated: May 2026

Quick Answer

If you are not safe, call or text 988 in the U.S., contact emergency services, or send a clear message to a trusted person now. You do not have to explain everything before asking for help.

Written with care

Written by Dan Larson, creator of Still Here Faith. Dan writes from lived experience with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and Christian faith. He is not a therapist, doctor, or pastor.

This page is written for encouragement and resource navigation. It is not therapy, diagnosis, medical advice, treatment, pastoral care, or crisis care. Therapy, medication, medical support, pastoral care, Scripture, prayer, and trusted relationships can all be part of faithful care.

Safety-first note: If you might hurt yourself, feel unable to stay safe, or are in immediate danger, call or text 988 in the U.S., contact emergency services, or get near a trusted person now. Do not use this page instead of crisis support.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial standards · Medical disclaimer · Resource review policy

What this page covers:

Copyable texts
Who to contact
What to say if they do not understand
Why asking for help is not failure

Copy and send one of these

I am not safe alone right now. Can you stay with me or help me get help?
I am having thoughts of hurting myself and I need help now.
Can you call me and stay on the phone while I get support?
Can you drive me to urgent care, the ER, or help me call 988?
I do not need a lecture. I need someone with me.

Who to contact

Choose someone who is likely to act: a spouse, family member, friend, pastor, mentor, doctor, therapist, neighbor, or emergency service. If one person does not respond, contact another.

If they do not understand

You can be direct: I am telling you because this is serious. I need help staying safe.

If no one responds quickly and you are in danger, call 988 or emergency services.

This is not weakness

Asking for help is not a lack of faith. It may be the most faithful thing you can do tonight.

One tiny next step

Send one message before you decide whether it sounds perfect. Safety matters more than perfect wording.

Trusted next steps

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate crisis support in the U.S.

Helpful sources and starting points

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7 U.S. crisis support by call, text, or chat.
SAMHSA Find Help - Treatment and support starting points in the U.S.
NAMI HelpLine - Mental health education, support, and advocacy resources.

External links are starting points, not endorsements. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services or call/text 988 in the U.S.

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