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
Adferiad
adferiad.org
Information and support for people affected by mental health problems in Wales.
Anxiety UK
03444 775 774 (automated helpline)
anxietyuk.org.uk
Advice and support for people living with anxiety. Some services are only available through a paid membership. And some charge a fee.
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
For anyone over 18 affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. Open 5pm to midnight, every day. Helpline, online chat and WhatsApp chat.
Carers UK
0808 808 7777
[email protected]
carersuk.org
Advice and support for anyone who provides care.
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 772 9844 (helpline)
nopanic.org.uk
Support for anyone experiencing anxiety or panic. Open 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year. At night the helpline plays a recorded breathing exercise to help you through a panic attack. You can listen to this exercise any time of day on 01952 680 835
Papyrus HOPELINEUK
0300 102 2470 (helpline)
88247 (text)
papyrus-uk.org
Support for anyone under 35 feeling suicidal, or worried about someone else. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. You can also email [email protected]
Samaritans
116 123 (freephone)
samaritans.org
For anyone who needs to talk. Open all the time, any time of day, 365 days a year. They also have a Welsh language line: 0808 164 0123 (open 7pm to 11pm every day). You can visit some Samaritans branches in person.
SANEline
0300 304 7000
sane.org.uk
Emotional support for anyone in the UK dealing with a mental health problem. Open 4pm to 10pm, every day. They also run a webchat service for 13 to 17 year olds on tuesday and thursday afternoons.
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 Wales
timetochangewales.org.uk
Campaign to end stigma and discrimination against people with mental health problems.
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
Advice and support for young people for their mental health. Also supports parents and carers through a helpline and chat service.
This information was published in October 2017.
This page is currently under review. All content was accurate when published.
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