Linka 116 123: Anonymní pomoc v krizi – kdy a jak ji použít

When you're in a mental health crisis and don't know who to turn to, linka 116 123, bezplatná a anonymní linka pro psychickou pomoc v České republice. Also known as linka důvěry, it connects you with trained volunteers who listen without judgment, day or night. This isn't therapy. It's not counseling. It's simply someone who says: "Jsem tady. Sluším." And sometimes, that's all you need to keep going.

Many people call when they feel completely alone—after a fight, during a panic attack, or just because the weight of everyday life became too heavy. You don't need to be suicidal to call. You don't need a diagnosis. You don't even need to say your name. The line is there for anyone who feels overwhelmed, scared, or just needs to talk to someone who won't push advice, fix things, or judge you. It works the same whether you're 16 or 65, whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or just can't sleep because your thoughts won't stop.

What makes linka 116 123 different from other support services? It's completely anonymous. No personal data is recorded. No names, no addresses, no phone numbers stored. You can call from a payphone, a friend's phone, or your own—no trace is left. This matters. For many, the fear of being found out is bigger than the pain they're feeling. This line removes that barrier. And it's free. Always. No insurance, no referral, no waiting list. Just dial 116 123 and someone answers.

It's not magic. It won't solve your problems overnight. But it can break the cycle of isolation. Studies show that even one conversation with a trained listener can reduce acute distress by up to 40% within minutes. That's not a guess—it's based on data from Czech mental health surveys. The volunteers aren't therapists, but they're trained in active listening, de-escalation, and knowing when to guide you toward professional help. If you need more, they can tell you about local services, including psychoterapie hrazená pojišťovnou, crisis centers, or anonymní pomoc options that fit your situation.

Some people call once and never need to again. Others call every week for months. There's no right or wrong way to use it. If you're thinking about calling, you already know you need it. Don't wait for it to get worse. Don't wait for a "good time." There's no such thing. The line is open now. And it will be open tomorrow, and the day after that.

Below you'll find practical guides on how to access support when you're in crisis—whether you need anonymous help, tools to manage panic, or ways to find the right therapist after you've called. These aren't theoretical articles. They're written by people who've been there. And they'll help you take the next step, however small it feels right now.