Mental health problems – an introduction
Explains what mental health problems are, what may cause them, and the many different kinds of help, treatment and support that are available. Also provides guidance on where to find more information, and tips for friends and family.
Useful contacts
Other organisations
Anxiety UK
03444 775 774 (helpline)
07537 416 905 (text)
anxietyuk.org.uk
Advice and support for people living with anxiety.
Beat
0808 801 0677 (England)
0808 801 0433 (Wales)
beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Offers information and advice on eating disorders, and runs a supportive online community. Also provides a directory of support services at HelpFinder.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
bacp.co.uk
Professional body for talking therapy and counselling. Provides information and a list of accredited therapists.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Provides listening services, information and support for anyone who needs to talk, including a web chat.
Carers UK
0808 808 7777
029 2081 1370 (Carers Wales)
[email protected]
carersuk.org
Advice and support for anyone who provides care.
Disability Rights UK
disabilityrightsuk.org
Information and support for people living with a disability.
FRANK
0300 123 6600
talktofrank.com
Confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law.
Hearing Voices Network
hearing-voices.org
Information and support for people who hear voices or have other unshared perceptions, including local support groups.
NHS UK
nhs.uk
Information about health problems and treatments, including details of local NHS services in England.
No Panic
0300 7729844
nopanic.org.uk
Provides a helpline, step-by-step programmes, and support for people with anxiety disorders.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK
0800 068 41 41
07860039967 (text)
[email protected]
papyrus-uk.org
Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Samaritans
116 123 (freephone)
[email protected]
Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
samaritans.org
Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
Sane
0300 304 7000
sane.org.uk
Offers emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including a helpline.
Student Minds
0808 808 4994
studentminds.org.uk
Mental health charity that supports students. Runs Student Space, offering online information and helpline support delivered in partnership with The Mix.
Time to Change
time-to-change.org.uk (England)
timetochangewales.org.uk (Wales)
National campaign to end stigma and discrimination against people with mental health problems in England and Wales. The campaign for England ended in 2021, but its resources are still available online.
Turning Point
turning-point.co.uk
Health and social care services in England for people with a learning disability. Also supports people with mental health problems, drug and alcohol abuse or unemployment.
YoungMinds
0808 802 5544 (Parents Helpline)
85258 (text the word 'shout')
youngminds.org.uk
Provides advice and support to young people for their mental health, as well as supporting parents and carers.
This information was published in October 2017.
This page is currently under review. All content was accurate when published.
References and bibliography available on request.
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