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
Seek urgent or emergency help for:
Thoughts of suicide, a suicide plan, or an immediate risk of self-harm
New chest pressure, severe breathing difficulty, or loss of consciousness
Sudden weakness on one side, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking
Any other sudden or severe symptom that may represent an emergency
Use your local emergency number or crisis service when there is immediate danger.
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 a healthcare service promptly if a symptom is new, has changed clearly, or is becoming steadily worse.
An existing diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder should not prevent an appropriate physical assessment.
Do not assume an urgent symptom is caused by somatic symptom disorder.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if physical symptoms or health worries are disrupting sleep, work, school, relationships, or normal activities.
Follow-up is also appropriate if you are repeatedly seeking reassurance, avoiding activity, feeling persistently low, or struggling with treatment side effects.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Somatic symptom disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.