NEED HELP NOW?
Everyone experiences changes in their mental health and wellbeing during their life. This can often feel confusing, overwhelming and sometimes very scary.
YOU ARE NEVER ALONE
TALK TO PEOPLE YOU TRUST
If you find your symptoms are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling.
FINDING OUT MORE
There are also lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences.
Some websites we recommend because they are based on information developed by qualified healthcare professionals include:
However, reading this information is not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone else.
TALK TO A PROFESSIONAL
Outside of friends and family, you should speak to your GP. They can not only offer support but also can link you with other mental health services. Tell your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you. Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning. It is always worth having a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. If you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone you trust with you.
Most areas also have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Teams. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local area]’.
Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, acting sooner rather than later is always best.
STAYING SAFE
If you feel things are getting worse, or you feel unable to cope, you MUST go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
The following organisations also offer help:
The Samaritans www.samaritans.org
Call 08457 90 90 90 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Mind www.mind.org.uk
Info line: 0300 123 3393
999
If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should IMMEDIATELY call 999 or go to your local A&E department. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
Your local hospital will have links to professionals who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts: