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Getting help

Recognising that you may have a mental health problem and taking the first step to getting help can be difficult and may require courage.

 

If you need urgent help you can call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.

 

It is important to remember that you are not alone. One in four people experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year. 

 

There are a range of people you can talk to about what you are experiencing. A number of services and organisations also support people with mental health problems.

Urgent help

 

If you need someone to talk to urgently and in confidence - the Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90. You can also email the Samaritans.

 

  • Find out about other key organisations offering information and support, including helplines and local services for people affected by mental health problems.

 

 

The Mental Health Foundation does not have a helpline and unfortunately is unable to respond to individual requests for medical advice.

 

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Tell someone you trust

 

You may find it helpful to talk to your partner, a relative or a friend about your problems. They may be concerned about you and welcome the opportunity to hear what you have to say. If this is not possible, you may prefer to talk to someone else you can trust, like a faith leader or a tutor.

 

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Talk to your GP

 

Your GP may be the first person you talk to about your mental health problems. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, you may find it helpful just to know there is someone you can talk to about the feelings you are having. Your GP may refer you to specialist services if he/she feels they will help you.

 

If you are unhappy with your own doctor, you can ask to see another doctor at the same practice or can visit a different practice within your area. If you are unsure where to find other doctor's surgeries, look in your local Yellow Pages or visit the online Yellow Pages.

 

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Specialist services

 

Most people recover from mental health problems without needing to go into hospital. There are a number of specialist services which provide various treatments, including counselling and other talking treatments. You may also need help with other aspects of your life, for example claiming benefits or dealing with housing problems. Often these different services are co-ordinated by a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

 

CMHTs are usually based either at a hospital or a local community mental health centre. Some teams provide 24 hour services so that you can contact them in a crisis.  If you are already in contact with a CMHT you may find it useful to keep their number by your phone in case you need it. Otherwise you should be able to contact your local CMHT via your local social services or social work team.   

 

You may also find it helpful to contact your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau for advice about benefits, debt problems, legal issues and local services. The Citizens Advice website has a directory of bureaux. 

 

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Updated in 2006

 

 

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