Flock 1: the very fact that you have posted this seems to indicate a very basic awareness of the "worst case scenario" and that's good. As many of the previous posts indicate, ATC take matters like this very seriously indeed; many of us have experience of dealing with such events and we are there to help you out as our absolute No. 1 priority when things turn nasty. We're not interested in punishment at such times and nor should you be. That's not to excuse any breach of legislation or act of negligence, of course, for which you may have some explaining to do later!
A few pointers may help you:
Plan your flight properly. Look at the terrain, look at the weather, look at the airspace environment, look for possible "escape" routes and suitable diversion aerodromes if things turn bad. Much as it may take an element of fun out of flying, it's just not a good idea to leap into an aeroplane without adequate preparation. And don't rely on GPS as your sole nav. aid! Carry a good, current topo. map.
Flying into the ground is usually fatal. You need to see where you are going. If you encounter IMC on your track and you are not suitably equipped/qualified to deal with it, never take the risk that you'll soon fly out of it. Stay VMC. Climbing to the MSA or higher may be okay but NOT if it puts you in sustained IMC and you can't cope. Best to turn back into VMC conditions.
Never, ever be afraid to call ATC and ask for help. Use "Pan" or "Mayday" (depending on the severity of your predicament) as the prefix and be aware that a transponder set to 7600 (radio fail) or 7700 (emergency) will trigger all sorts of alarms on radars and will instantly attract ATC's attention, not just at one unit but at several, including D&D. As Flower says, the nearest ATC unit or the one to which you are talking may be able to help but if they can't, they'll very soon find someone who can and that may be D&D who really will pull out all the stops to help you and get you back to earth safely. Come and talk to ATC at your nearest radar-equipped aerodrome and see the facilities they have to help you. Talk to the "coal-face" ATCOs and I'm sure you'll be reassured. Many of us have flying experience too, which helps. Enjoy safe flying.