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.

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Useful contacts

Mind's services

Helplines – our Infolines provide information and support by phone, email and text.
Local Minds – provide face-to-face services across England and Wales. These might be talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
Side by Side – our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

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 (adult helpline)
0808 801 0711 (youthline)
0808 801 0811 (studentline)
beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Offers information and advice on eating disorders, and runs a supportive online community.

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
carersuk.org
Advice and support for people caring for someone else.

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.

Hafal

hafal.org
Information and support for people affected by mental health problems in Wales.

Hearing Voices Network

hearing-voices.org
Information and support for people who hear voices or have other unshared perceptions, including local support groups.

MindOut

mindout.org.uk
Mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

nice.org.uk
Produces guidelines on best practice in healthcare.

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
07786 209697 (text)
[email protected]
papyrus-uk.org
Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open daily from 9am–midnight.

Samaritans

116 123 (freephone)
[email protected]
Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK
PO Box 90 90
Stirling FK8 2SA
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

sane.org.uk
Offers emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems.

Student Minds

studentminds.org.uk
Mental health charity that supports students.

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.

Turning Point

turning-point.co.uk
Provides health and social care services for people with drug, alcohol and mental health problems.

YoungMinds

0808 802 5544 (parents helpline)
85258 (crisis messenger service, text YM)
youngminds.org.uk
Committed to improving the mental health of babies, children and young people, including support for parents and carers.