Personality disorder service user help and support from Emergence

It is widely recognised that people given a diagnosis of personality disorder have often not been given the support they need and had difficult experiences of mental health services. In 2003, the Government wrote 'No longer a Diagnosis of Exclusion', a strategy for improving access to support and treatment for people given a diagnosis of PD. The strategy made it clear that people given a diagnosis of PD should not be turned away from mental health services. It focused on developing specialist PD services and improving access to mainstream mental health services (for a copy go to the Resources section of this site - opens in new window).

For immediate support during a crisis

• Contact NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or NHS 24 in Scotland (08454 24 24 24). These lines are open all day every day. The nurses can advise you from a medical point of view what your best course of action may be in any given circumstances.
• In an emergency situation you can call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
• Contact your GP - they may be able to offer you support themselves, or refer you to specialist mental health services. If your GP surgery is closed they will have an out of hours service you can contact instead.
• The Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours a day. Call on 08457 90 90 90.
• Saneline offers emotional support out of office hours and is open everyday 6pm to 11pm on 0845 767 8000.
• Most areas have a mental health crisis team available 24 hours a day, you should be able to get their contact details via your local council or social services, or see them via A&E.