LanternOpen all night
Here is a lantern
If tonight is heavy, you don't need to read anything else on this site. There are only three things here, in order. Take them slowly.
01
Breathe with the light
In for four, out for six. Letting the out-breath run a little longer tells the body it is allowed to stand down. Follow the flame; you do not have to count perfectly.
Begin when you are ready
02
Name five things
When your mind is running too fast, bring your attention back to the room. Tap once for each thing you name.
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
Good. You are here, now.
03
Talk to a person
Books and websites can keep you company, but they cannot pick up a phone. There are real people on these lines. They work at three in the morning precisely so that three in the morning has someone in it. You do not have to be "bad enough" to call.
- United States 988 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988. Free, confidential, 24/7. Chat online →
- UK & Ireland 116 123 Samaritans Free to call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Mainland China 12356 全国统一心理援助热线 · National psychological assistance hotline There is no "4" in it, so people call it the "nothing's wrong" (没事儿) line — you don't have to be in crisis to use it.
- Hong Kong 2389 2222 The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong 24-hour emotional support hotline.
- Taiwan 1925 MOHW Mental Health Line (安心專線) Free, 24 hours. You do not need to be in crisis to call.
- Anywhere else findahelpline.com Find A Helpline A directory of free, confidential helplines in 175+ countries.
Checked October 2026
If you might hurt yourself right now
Please call your local emergency number now — 911 in the US, 999 in the UK, 112 across the EU, 120 or 110 in mainland China — or go to the nearest emergency department. You can also say one sentence to anyone near you: "I don't feel safe right now. Can you stay with me?"
The lantern stays lit. You can come back any time.