Emergency Guidance
If someone on Zoiko is in danger, if you witness an emergency, or if you're in crisis yourself—get help immediately. This page tells you exactly what to do.
Types of emergencies we help with
If you're experiencing or witnessing any of these situations, you're in the right place. Get help right now.
Immediate danger
Someone is being harmed, attacked, or in physical danger right now. Report immediately.
Suicidal thoughts
Someone is expressing suicidal thoughts, self-harm plans, or severe depression. Get crisis support.
Child safety
A child is being exploited, abused, or endangered. Report to authorities immediately.
Abuse & harassment
Someone is experiencing intimate partner violence, stalking, or coordinated harassment.
Overdose & addiction
Someone is overdosing, experiencing severe withdrawal, or in danger from substance use.
Medical emergency
Someone is experiencing a medical crisis: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reaction.
What should you do? Quick decision guide
Follow this flow to know exactly what to do in an emergency.
Is someone in immediate physical danger right now?
Examples: Active violence, overdose, can't breathe, choking, unconscious, severe injury
Is someone expressing suicidal intent or active self-harm right now?
Examples: "I'm going to kill myself tonight", showing fresh cuts, describing a specific plan
Is a child being exploited, abused, or endangered?
Examples: CSAM, child abuse, trafficking, predatory behavior
Is someone being harassed, stalked, or in danger from intimate partner violence?
Examples: Threats, coordinated harassment, doxxing, stalking, domestic violence
Is someone showing signs of crisis but not immediate danger?
Examples: Expressing depression, isolation, hopelessness, gradual withdrawal
Get help in your region
Different regions have different services. Select your location to see local resources.
Prevention: Recognize early warning signs
Before someone reaches crisis level, there are earlier warning signs. Catching them early can prevent emergencies.
Gradual withdrawal
They stop posting, stop responding, stop engaging with communities they used to love. They're isolating.
Mood changes over weeks
Their posts shift from upbeat to darker. They're making self-deprecating jokes more often. Energy is lower.
Expressing hopelessness
"Nothing ever works out." "Why do I even try?" "I'm just a burden." These statements become more frequent.
Substance use increases
They mention drinking more, using drugs more, or struggling with addiction in posts or DMs.
Early intervention tip
If you notice these signs, reach out directly. “Hey, I noticed you've been quieter lately. Everything okay? I care about you.” That one message can change someone's trajectory. They might not open up, but they know someone sees them and cares.
Recovery: What it looks like over time
Recovery isn't linear, but here are realistic milestones that show progress and healing is happening.
Crisis stabilization
Immediate danger has passed. They're safe. They may feel numb or exhausted—that's normal. The goal is just getting through each day.
Engagement with support
They're seeing a therapist or counselor regularly. They might be in a hospital or intensive program. They're starting to talk about what happened.
Understanding & coping
They're understanding WHY the crisis happened. They're learning coping skills. Some good days mixed in with hard days.
Rebuilding
They're reconnecting with friends, returning to activities, making plans. Good days outnumber hard days, but it's still a journey.
Integration
They've integrated the experience. They know their triggers. They have a support system. They're living a full life again—not "back to normal" but forward to new normal.
Supporting the helpers: You matter too
If you helped someone in crisis, you may be experiencing secondary trauma, guilt, or burnout. Your wellbeing matters. Get support.
It's normal to feel affected
You just witnessed or helped in a crisis. It's natural to feel sad, anxious, or drained. This doesn't mean you failed.
Process the experience
Talk to someone about what you experienced. A friend, therapist, or support group. Don't carry it alone.
Celebrate what you did
You took action. You cared enough to help. You potentially saved a life. That's profound. Honor that.
Resources for helpers experiencing stress
- First responder support programs if you're a professional helper
- Therapy for secondary trauma specific to helping in crisis
- Support groups for volunteers who work in crisis response
- Your own hotline or crisis support if you're struggling
Emotional support & healing pathways
After an emergency, everyone needs support—including the person helping. Resources for recovery and self-care.
Mental health therapy
Professional counselors can help process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions. Many therapists work with insurance or offer sliding scale fees.
Support groups
Connect with others who've been through similar crises. Shared experience heals. Many groups meet online and in-person.
Wellness practices
Sleep, exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness help. Small things—a 10-minute walk, meditation app, journaling—make a difference.
Lean on your people
Tell trusted friends or family what you're experiencing. You don't have to go through recovery alone.
Educational resources
Learning about what happened—mental illness, addiction, trauma—helps you understand and support better.
Crisis-specific tools
Apps like Calm, Headspace, or 7 Cups offer meditation, journaling, and peer support when you need it.
Frequently asked questions
You matter. Get help now.
If you're in crisis, alone, or scared—you are not alone. Help is available right now. Free. Confidential. 24/7.