Around one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. The spectre of compromised Mental health issues doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone.
Now, with the Covid-19 pandemic and the increased pressures of local and national lockdowns, mental health and wellbeing has never been of greater concern.
If you are struggling, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. You are not alone and there are a number of ways you can get sympathetic help and support.
Are you concerned about your mental health?
When you know you’re not functioning at 100% and you’re worried about your state of mind, a variety of helplines that are trained to offer a friendly ear and advice can make all the difference.
For example, MIND, provides advice, information and support for anyone who feels like they’re struggling. For more information, head over to www.mind.org.uk.
Anxiety UK provides support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety-related conditions. Visit www.anxietyuk.org.uk or simply give them a call on 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm).
Bipolar UK is a charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder, visit www.bipolaruk.org.uk for more details of the support and advice available.
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably. It offers help and support for men aged 15 to 35. You can call them on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight) or visit www.thecalmzone.net
Mental Health Foundation provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities www.mentalhealth.org.uk
No Panic provides support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). No Panic is a voluntary charity and offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD. Give them a on 0844 967 4848 (10am to 10pm) or head over to www.nopanic.org.uk for more info.
PAPYRUS is the young suicide prevention society. You can call the HOPElineUK on 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and 7pm to 10pm; Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 5pm) or visit www.papyrus-uk.org
Rethink Mental Illness offers support and advice for people living with mental illness. Call 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) or visit www.rethink.org
SANE offers emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. You can contact them on SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm to 10.30pm). Visit www.sane.org.uk for more details on the services available including Textcare, a bespoke one-way message service to provide emotional support at times when you need it most. Go to www.sane.org.uk/textcare and talk to someone today.
The Men's Health Forum offers 24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email. Visit www.menshealthforum.org.uk for details.
The Samaritans provide emotional support for anyone in emotion distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide. Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
The Silver Line offers help and support for older people visit www.thesilverline.org.uk or call 0800 470 8090
Worried about a friend, family member or someone else you know?
Keeping your eye on your nearest and dearest means you might spot something amiss in someone perhaps before they do. The Mix is a charity that provides advice and support and specialises in mental health for people under 25. You can go to www.themix.org.uk if you have concerns about any younger people in your life.
Another notable help service is Young Minds. They’re a free, confidential helpline for parents and carers who are worried about a child or young person. Head over to their website www.youngminds.org.uk or call the parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm).
