IT’S OKAY TO NEED SUPPORT
When you’re struggling with your mental health, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help and support. This page aims to guide you towards appropriate services and resources.
DEPRESSION
Charities like Mind (www.mind.org.uk) and Rethink Mental Illness (www.rethink.org) offer helplines, online forums and local groups. Your GP can provide therapy or medication. Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) offers talking therapies on the NHS (www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/).
ANXIETY
Anxiety UK (www.anxietyuk.org.uk) and No Panic (www.nopanic.org.uk) both have helplines and support groups across the UK. You can self-refer to IAPT for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/). Mindfulness courses are also beneficial.
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
The Samaritans helpline (www.samaritans.org) is available 24/7. See your GP urgently for a mental health assessment. A&E departments can help in a crisis. Staying safe is the priority. No matter your mental health difficulty, support is out there. Charities, the NHS and your GP can all direct you to services to meet your needs through mental health signposting. Don’t struggle alone – reach out.
EATING DISORDERS
Beat (www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk) provides helplines for adults and youth. Your GP can arrange an assessment and develop a treatment plan. Local eating disorder services offer specialist support.
ADDICTION
Organisations like We Are With You (www.wearewithyou.org.uk) and Alcoholics Anonymous (www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk) run peer support groups. Your GP can arrange detox programmes and rehab. Local drug and alcohol services provide professional counselling.
LOCAL SUPPORT
There are many incredible local support groups such as Andy’s Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk) which is a nationwide charity that hosts meetings every week where men can talk in a safe environment.
KEEP CHIPPIN’