If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 (Nigeria emergency line). More ways to get help now →
Bee NetworkBe Empowered Network
Sign in Get help

Get help

You've already done the hard part by looking.

Here is what to do next, whether you're in crisis right now or just know something isn't right.

If you need someone now

In immediate danger, or someone's life is at risk Nigeria's national emergency number. Free from any phone, 24 hours a day. Call 112
Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) Peer-led support line for anyone struggling with their mental health. 0809 111 6264
Nigeria Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI) Confidential support if you are thinking about suicide or worried about someone. 0806 210 6493
Be Empowered Network Not an emergency service. A trained volunteer will reply to every message, usually within one working day. hello@beempowerednetwork.org

Helpline details change. If a number doesn't connect, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Not an emergency, but not okay

Four steps, at your pace.

  1. Tell us what's going on

    Use the contact form or email us. Say as much or as little as you like. There's no wrong way to start.

  2. Have a conversation

    A volunteer will get back to you, listen, and talk through what kinds of support might fit you right now.

  3. Join a peer circle

    If it's right for you, we'll place you in a circle, in person where available or online from anywhere.

  4. Get professional care if needed

    We'll help you find affordable therapists or psychiatric services, and stay with you while you do.

Self-help, any time

Try Bee, our CBT companion

A guided walk through tools from cognitive behavioural therapy: challenging a thought, grounding, box breathing, the worry tree and small steps for low days. Bee is not a person and not therapy, and nothing you type is stored, but it's there at 3am when nobody else is.

Recognising the signs

Things that are worth talking about

None of these mean something is "wrong with you". They mean you're human and carrying more than you should have to on your own.

  • Feeling low, empty or hopeless most days for more than two weeks
  • Constant worry, racing thoughts or panic that won't switch off
  • Sleeping much more or much less than usual
  • Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Withdrawing from friends, family or faith community
  • Struggling to concentrate at work or school
  • Using alcohol or drugs to cope
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or that others would be better off without you

Worried about someone else?

How to help a friend or family member

You don't need to be an expert. You need to be present.

  • Ask directly and gently. "You haven't seemed yourself lately. How are you, really?"
  • Listen more than you advise. Resist the urge to fix, correct or quote scripture at them. Let them finish.
  • Take talk of suicide seriously. Asking about it does not plant the idea. If they are in danger, stay with them and call 112.
  • Offer to help them reach support. Sit with them while they send the first email. Go with them to the first appointment.
  • Look after yourself too. Supporting someone is heavy. You can talk to us as well.

Want to be better prepared?

Our schools, workplace and faith-leader programmes teach whole communities how to respond well.

Explore programmes