There may come a time when you feel like you either need to learn a bit more about mental health or that you need someone to call for support or are in a crisis. There are many different organisations where you can get guidance for yourself or help someone else, as well as crisis hotlines if you feel it necessary to contact someone immediately. This article will lay out some useful resources for mental health support.
Learning about Mental Health:
You may have noticed that you or a friend is starting to have feelings that concern you, or have been changing their behaviour. To better understand how certain situations or for tips on how to help yourself or a loved one, try doing some reading.
Mind has a range of useful articles available on their website which are written by real people who talk about their experiences. The topics are unique covering experiences involving relationships, finding happiness and eating disorders. The ‘Your stories’ section is a way to help people know that their problems are cared about, listen to and understood.
Headspace is a well-known and useful service that helps people through guided meditation. But they also have a very informative blog, with articles like ‘How to relax’ and ‘How to stop worrying. You can easily browse their selection of general and informative articles by clicking here.
Calm is another organisation with similar articles to headspace but focuses on dealing with stress. You may find some of their articles useful as they cover topics such as dealing with change, improving sleep and dealing with grief. You can find their blog section by following this link.
Help Lines:
It may be that you need someone to call for either emotional support or for immediate help in a crisis. Here is a list of places you can call which have been established to help you in your time of need. All these lines are staffed by trained individuals dedicated to helping you without judgement.
Samaritans.
You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, every day of the year and they are there to help you. You can call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org to talk with someone directly.
SANEline.
You can call SANEline on behalf of yourself or someone else who is experiencing mental health problems. Lines are open between 4:30 pm and 10:30 pm every day. If you are under the age of 16, SANEline is unable to provide support but suggests that you call childline on 0800 1111.
The Mix.
If you're under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994. Thye is available from 3 pm-midnight every day, as well as by email using this form on The Mix website. They also have a crisis text messenger service.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK.
For those who are under the age of 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about someone else, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141. Lines are open on weekdays 10 am-10 pm and at weekends 2 pm-10 pm. You can also email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697 if you do not want to call someone.
Switchboard.
If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, Switchboard is available to help you in any way they can. Just call 0300 330 0630 (10 am–10 pm every day) and someone will be on the other end to support you. You can also email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service if you don’t feel comfortable talking on the phone. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK.
Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652. Phone lines are open 24/7 for your support.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
CALM is available on 0800 58 58 58 from 5 pm-midnight every day. If you are struggling and feel like you need to talk to someone then make sure to give them a call. You can also contact the CALM webchat service if you don’t want to speak to someone on the phone.