Make sense of what may be happening.

Understand distress without trying to diagnose yourself. Changes in safety, day-to-day functioning or the intensity of distress can be reasons to seek professional support.

• Start with what you are experiencing rather than a diagnosis
• Notice whether distress is affecting safety or everyday functioning
• Use a professional or urgent route when the situation needs more than self-help

This is general orientation, not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal or emergency advice.

Consent should be voluntary rather than produced by fear, coercion or pressure. You can pause, change your mind and seek support without first deciding what label applies to the situation.

• Voluntary agreement matters; fear or coercion changes the situation
• A person can change or withdraw consent
• Seeking support does not require an immediate decision to report

This is general orientation, not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal or emergency advice.

Coercion, controlling behaviour, threats and unwanted sexual acts can affect safety even when you are unsure what legal or clinical term applies. Start with immediate safety and the choices available to you.

• If danger may be immediate, use an emergency route first
• You do not need a legal label before asking for support
• Specialist, medical, legal and safeguarding routes serve different purposes

This is general orientation, not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal or emergency advice.

Bullying and digital harassment can involve repeated intimidation, threats, impersonation, harmful sharing or other behaviour that affects safety. Online incidents can also leave evidence that may be useful later.

• Deal with immediate safety before worrying about documentation
• Use platform, school, workplace or safeguarding routes where they fit the situation
• Cybercrime reporting and local support have different roles

This is general orientation, not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal or emergency advice.

Loss, isolation and major life events can affect people differently. Practical support, connection and professional help can all have a place depending on what you are experiencing and how much it is affecting daily life.

• There is no single emotional response that everyone must have
• Practical help and human connection can be useful alongside self-care
• Seek professional support when distress is persistent, escalating or affecting safety or functioning

This is general orientation, not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal or emergency advice.

Support can be humane, practical and respectful without taking control. Listen, ask what would be useful, preserve the person’s dignity and agency, and recognise when immediate danger or safeguarding duties change what needs to happen.

• Ask what would help instead of assuming
• Avoid pressuring someone to disclose more than they want to
• Use emergency or safeguarding routes when the situation requires them

This is general orientation, not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal or emergency advice.