Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Use emergency services if there is:
An immediate risk of suicide, self-harm, or harm to someone else
A plan or intention to act on harmful thoughts
A voice giving harmful commands that feels difficult to resist
Severe immobility, unresponsiveness, or inability to eat or drink
Fever, marked muscle stiffness, and confusion while taking antipsychotic medicine
If it is safe, stay with the person, reduce access to weapons or large quantities of medicine, and share relevant medicine or crisis-plan information with emergency responders.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the service sooner if symptoms are changing quickly or interfering with eating, hygiene, work, study, or relationships.
Seek urgent same-day help if you or someone close to you is becoming severely confused, highly agitated, unable to care for basic needs, or rapidly more unwell.
Urgent assessment is also appropriate for several nights with almost no sleep alongside increasing energy, impulsiveness, or psychotic symptoms.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you notice returning voices, suspicious thoughts, depression, rising energy, reduced sleep, or problems managing treatment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Schizoaffective disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.