Helplines in Lagos, Nigeria.

Get free crisis counseling support for your mental health from a hotline or helpline in Lagos, Nigeria

If you're looking for mental health support, or you're worried that a loved one could be having a mental health crisis, contacting a hotline or helpline can help. There are 3 crisis services you can contact in Lagos, Nigeria.

If you have doubts about calling, that's normal. Learning more about helplines and what to expect can help you feel more confident to call.

What are helplines or hotlines?

A helpline is a free, confidential counseling service available to anyone experiencing difficulties in their mental health, or worried about the mental health of someone they know. They are sometimes known as crisis lines or hotlines, and offer support over the phone, text message or chat. Some are available 24/7.

What kind of support do helplines offer?

Helpline responders will actively listen to you while also asking questions to help you process difficult emotions and situations. When you call a hotline, you can expect to be listened to without judgment. If you like, you can also talk through or receive guidance on what steps you can take next.

If I contact a helpline, who will I talk to?

When you contact a helpline, you'll commonly speak to a volunteer or counselor who has been trained in crisis counseling or active listening, and is equipped to support you. Some helplines are operated by people who have a similar experience to the issue or topic that the helpline supports.

What issues can I talk to a helpline about?

Some helplines offer support for specific problems like suicide, depression, anxiety, domestic violence and sexual assault. Others help with certain demographics, such as veterans, youth or the LGBTQ+ community. Many helplines offer support for all kinds of mental and behavioral health problems – this means you can talk to them about anything that is on your mind.

Do helplines and hotlines support with thoughts of suicide?

Most countries have a suicide hotline or suicide prevention line (often called a lifeline or crisis line) available 24/7. These helplines provide compassionate support for people who might be having feelings of wanting to die or kill themselves. Commonly, suicide hotlines will also support anyone, regardless of what they are going through.

Will a helpline talk to me about someone I'm concerned about?

It can be worrying when a friend or family member is struggling with their mental health or experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Helplines will support you to better help your loved one, whether that is actions you could take to support them, or external support they might be able to access.

I'm in Lagos, Nigeria. What hotlines and helplines are available to me?

In Lagos, Nigeria, there are 3 hotlines and helplines that support with a range of topics.

Today, there are over 2,000 helplines and hotlines across the world. While they may support different topics and populations, each and every one of them share the same goal: to help those experiencing emotional or mental distress to get through the current pain and find a meaningful path forward. When you feel alone, hopeless or stuck, having a conversation on a helpline can help you feel heard, supported and empowered.