Is anyone in danger right now?

If someone is badly hurt, or could be, call the emergency number now.

If someone has hurt themselves, taken an overdose, or talks about ending their life: call 999 now if they are in danger (UK).

To talk to someone, any time (UK): Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours, every day) · text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) · children and young people: Childline 0800 1111 (24 hours). Checked on each provider's own site on 21 Oct 2026; more helplines below.

  • UK Call 999 Police, fire or ambulance.
  • Ireland Call 112 or 999 Both reach the same emergency services.
  • Anywhere in the EU Call 112 Free, from any phone.
  • USA Call 911 Police, fire or ambulance.
  • Canada Call 9-1-1 Police, fire or ambulance.
  • Australia Call 000 Triple Zero. From a mobile, 112 also works.
  • New Zealand Call 111 Police, fire or ambulance.

Not an emergency, but worried about health? NHS 111 (England; NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland), or 111 online.

Not an emergency, but worried about health? healthdirect: 1800 022 222, 24 hours.

Not an emergency, but worried about health? Healthline: 0800 611 116, free, 24/7.

What helps during a meltdown Someone to talk to

Numbers checked on 21 Oct 2026 on government and emergency-service websites.

During a meltdown

A meltdown is overwhelm, not naughtiness. It passes. Your job is safety and calm, not fixing it.

  1. Safety first

    Move anything that could hurt someone. If you need to, move other people away instead.

  2. Fewer words

    Say very little, slowly and quietly. Words add to the overload. Avoid “calm down”.

  3. Drop the demands

    Whatever you were asking can wait. Questions count as demands too.

  4. Space, but stay near

    Step back a little. Stay where they can see you, if it is safe for you both.

  5. Less noise, light and people

    Turn things down, close a door, ask others to move along. One adult is enough.

  6. Don’t reason or negotiate now

    Explaining, bargaining and consequences all wait. Stay calm and wait.

  7. You can say very little

    “I’m here.” “You’re safe.” Or nothing at all. They may need longer than you expect to answer.

  8. Afterwards: rest

    No lectures. Time, space and something calm and familiar. Reconnect and repair later, together.

Why fewer demands helps with PDA: demands and the threat response.

If they go quiet: shutdown

Some people go still and silent, stop answering, or hide away. This can be overwhelm too.

  • Keep it quiet and low-pressure.
  • Don’t push for answers or eye contact.
  • Stay nearby. Let them be in their safe place, and wait.

After it has passed

  • They may feel exhausted or embarrassed. Rest comes first.
  • A calm, familiar activity: a book, a sensory object, time with family.
  • No lectures and no punishment. It was not a choice.
  • Reconnect when you are both calm. Talk later, if at all.

Looking after you

  • If everyone is safe, it is OK to step out for a minute and breathe.
  • This is not your fault, and you do not have to get it perfect.
  • Afterwards: food, rest, and someone to talk to.
  • Call someone you trust, or a helpline below.

If you or a sibling are being hurt

Someone to talk to

Every number, text code and set of opening hours was checked on the provider’s own website on 21 Oct 2026.

    Calm card

    One page for the fridge or a wallet: the steps and the numbers for where you are.

    Calm card

    Anyone in danger? Call 999

    1. Safety first.
    2. Fewer words. No “calm down”.
    3. Drop the demands. It can wait.
    4. Space, but stay near.
    5. Less noise, light and people.
    6. Don’t reason or negotiate now.
    7. “I’m here.” Or nothing at all.
    8. After: rest. No lectures. Repair later.

    If everyone is safe, it is OK to step away and breathe.

      PDA Compass · numbers checked 21 Oct 2026 · information, not medical advice

      This is information, not medical advice. It does not replace help from people who know you or your child. If someone is in danger, call the emergency number.