If you can only send a short text
- “I am not safe alone. Please call me now.”
- “This is an emergency for me. Can you come stay with me?”
- “Please help me contact 988. I cannot do this by myself.”
- “I need you to hold onto dangerous items and stay nearby.”
Tell them what you need
People may care deeply and still not know what to do. Ask for one concrete action: stay on the phone, come sit with you, drive you to care, help secure dangerous items, call 988 with you, or contact another trusted person.
If they minimize it
Repeat: “I need you to hear that I may not be safe.” If they still do not respond, contact someone else immediately. Call or text 988 yourself, go to a staffed public place, or seek urgent help. One person’s poor response does not make your need less real.
If you are worried about consequences
Fear of judgment, cost, work, family reaction, or losing privacy can make silence feel safer. Immediate safety comes first. A crisis counselor can help you think through the next step without requiring a polished explanation.
After someone arrives
Stay honest about whether the danger has changed. Do not be left alone if you may act. Decide together who else needs to know and what the next professional support will be.