Quick answers
What should I do if someone says they want to harm themselves?
Stay calm and treat it as urgent. Ask them plainly whether they are thinking about suicide or self-harm, listen without judging, and do not promise to keep it a secret.
Who do I call in a mental-health emergency in India?
For immediate danger, call 112 or go to emergency care and follow the operator's instructions. For support when life is not in immediate danger, the government Tele-MANAS service is on 14416.
Should I leave a person in a mental-health crisis alone?
No. Stay with them if it is safe, or get another responsible adult to stay. Do not confront them, and do not try to take away a weapon, medicine or other danger unless you can do it safely.
How can I support someone after a mental-health crisis?
Help them reach qualified care and people they trust, and ask what practical help they need with travel, appointments or daily tasks. One conversation cannot replace a professional assessment.
Cover image: AI-generated editorial illustration, not a photograph of a real person or crisis.
Take a warning seriously
If someone tells you they might hurt themselves, seems unable to keep themselves safe, or has already done something to harm themselves, stay calm and treat it as urgent. Ask them plainly whether they are thinking about suicide or self-harm. Listen without judging, and do not promise to keep it a secret. No article can judge how much danger a person is in; that needs a trained clinician. The World Health Organization advises calling emergency help when someone is in immediate danger and not leaving them alone. Its regional public guidance also warns against promising to keep a suicidal disclosure secret.
Get help now
In India, call 112 if there is immediate danger. Tell the operator exactly where you are and do what they say. Stay with the person if it is safe for you, or get another responsible adult to stay. Do not argue or confront them. Do not try to take away a weapon, medicines or anything else dangerous unless you can do it safely and as professionals advise. If life is not in immediate danger but the person needs support, the government’s Tele-MANAS service is on 14416 or 1800-89-14416.
After the immediate crisis
Help the person reach qualified care and people they trust. Ask what would actually help: a lift to an appointment, someone to go along, or a hand with the household or office work for a few days. Talking with them matters, but it does not guarantee their safety. One conversation cannot replace a professional assessment or ongoing care.
What needs attention
- No article can diagnose a condition or predict one person's risk. Listening with care and getting the right help quickly both matter.
Controls that reduce risk
- Know your local emergency route and save Tele-MANAS 14416 in your phone. Agree who can be called. Remove an immediate danger only if it is safe, and follow the advice of the clinician or 112 operator.
Common unsafe practices
- Promising to keep a self-harm disclosure secret.
- Leaving someone who is in immediate danger alone.
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