Mental Health Support Services in the UK

What is mental health?

Mental health is about our thoughts and feelings.

It helps us handle stress and problems.

Talk to someone if you feel sad or worried.

Try deep breathing or drawing to feel better.

Where can I get help for my feelings in the UK?

If you want to talk about your feelings or get help:

• Ask a doctor for help.
• You can call hotlines like Mind, Samaritans, or Childline.
• Tell someone you trust about how you feel.

These people can listen and help you feel better.

How can I get help from NHS mental health services?

If you feel worried, sad, or stressed, you can get help. The NHS is here to support you.

Here is what you can do:

• Visit your doctor (GP) and tell them how you feel. They can help you find the right services.
• Go to the NHS website for information and advice. You might find helpful tools there.
• Call NHS helplines to talk to someone who can listen and guide you.

Helpful tips:

• Write down how you feel before seeing the doctor, so you don't forget anything important.
• Ask a family member or friend to come with you for support.

What is the NHS IAPT program?

The NHS IAPT program helps people feel better if they are worried or sad. IAPT stands for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies. It is a way to talk to someone who can help you with your feelings.

It is for people who find it hard to enjoy life because they are anxious or unhappy.

You can talk to someone face-to-face, over the phone, or on the internet. This person is trained to help you understand your feelings and make you feel better.

To use the IAPT program, you can ask your doctor or contact the service directly.

If you find reading hard or want more help, you can:

• Ask a friend or family member to help you read it.
• Use text-to-speech tools that read text out loud.
• Write down your questions to ask someone who knows about it.

What are some signs of mental health problems?

Here is how you can tell if someone is having a hard time:

• They feel very sad a lot.
• They feel very worried or scared.
• They get angry easily.
• They stay away from friends and family.
• They find it hard to enjoy things they used to like.
• They have problems sleeping.
• They feel very tired all the time.
• They do not feel hungry or they eat too much.

If you notice these signs, it is good to talk to a grown-up you trust or a doctor. They can help. You can also use things like pictures or talking to someone to help understand your feelings better.

Can you get free mental health help from the NHS?

Yes, you can get free help for your mental health from the NHS.

If you need support, you can:

• Visit your doctor (GP) to talk about how you feel.
• Ask your doctor to connect you with mental health services.
• Look online for NHS mental health support.

Remember, it's ok to ask for help, and there are people who want to help you feel better.

What should I do to get help right away if I feel very upset or scared?

If you feel very upset or scared, you can get help. Here are some easy steps:

• Call someone you trust, like a family member or friend.
• Call a local doctor or mental health worker.
• Use a phone to call a helpline for help.

These people can talk to you and help you feel better.

Can I get help for my feelings online?

Yes, you can get help for your feelings on the computer or phone. Here are some easy ways:

• Use websites that help with feelings. They can have videos and simple advice.
• Talk to a helper using an app. Some apps let you chat with someone who listens.
• Watch online classes or groups where people talk about feelings.

If you find it hard to read, you can:

• Use text-to-speech tools that read words out loud.
• Look for videos that explain things by talking.
• Ask someone to help you understand the words.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help if you need it.

What types of help are there for mental health problems?

There are different kinds of help for mental health. Here are some ways people can get help:

• Talking to a doctor or therapist: This is when you speak with someone trained to listen and help you understand your feelings.
• Group support: This is when you meet with other people who have similar feelings and you can help each other.
• Medication: Some people need medicine to help them feel better.
• Relaxation techniques: Doing things like deep breathing or yoga can help you feel calm.
• Creative activities: Drawing, painting, or music can help express feelings.

If you find any of these hard to understand, you can use pictures or ask someone you trust to help explain. Always tell an adult if you feel very worried or sad.

Can I find help groups for mental health in the UK?

Yes, there are groups in the UK that help people with mental health problems. These groups can be good to talk with other people who understand. They can give you support and help.

Here are some things you can try:

• Ask someone you trust, like a family member or teacher, to help you find a group.
• Use the internet to look for mental health charities. They often have support groups.
• You can call a helpline. They can tell you where to find support groups near you.

Can I get private therapy in the UK?

Yes, you can get private therapy in the UK. This means you pay to see a counselor or therapist yourself, instead of through the NHS.

Private therapy can be faster. You might not have to wait long for an appointment.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Ask your doctor or friends if they know any good therapists.
• Check online for therapist directories. Websites like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) can help.
• Talk to more than one therapist to find someone you feel comfortable with.

You can also use things like:

• Video calls or phone calls if you can't travel.
• Calm music or a quiet room to help you relax during sessions.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help.

Can you get mental health medicine for free on the NHS?

The NHS can give you medicine to help with mental health. Sometimes you have to pay for it, but some people might get it for free.

If you see a doctor or talk to someone who helps with mental health, they can tell you more.

There are tools that can help you understand more, like asking someone to explain it or using pictures.

How can I help a friend or family member with mental health problems?

Do you have a friend or family member who feels very sad, worried, or stressed a lot? You can help them feel better! Here are some simple things you can do:

• Listen: Let them talk about their feelings. Show you care by listening carefully and not interrupting.
• Be There: Spend time with them. A good friend is always there when you need them.
• Talk to Them: Use kind words. Tell them it’s okay to ask for help.
• Help Them Find Support: Suggest talking to a doctor or counselor. They know how to help people feel better.
• Learn Together: Read books or look online about mental health to understand more.

It’s important to be kind and patient. Remind them they are loved and not alone.

What can I do if work stress feels too much?

Sometimes work can be too much and make you feel stressed. Here are some tips to help:

• Take deep breaths and count to 10. This can help you feel calm.
• Talk to someone you trust about how you feel. It can be a friend, family member, or counselor.
• Take short breaks during your work to rest and relax.
• Make a list of tasks and do them one by one.
• Try using a stress ball or listen to calming music.

Remember, it's important to take care of yourself. If the stress is too much, ask for help.

Can young people in the UK get help for mental health?

Yes, there are places young people in the UK can go for help with their feelings and thoughts.

Here are some ways to get support:

• Talk to someone you trust, like a family member or a teacher.
• Call or text a helpline that helps young people with mental health.
• Use apps that help with feeling better and staying calm.

Remember, it is okay to ask for help if you are feeling sad, worried, or upset.

What is mental health?

Mental health is about our thoughts and feelings.

It helps us handle stress and problems.

Talk to someone if you feel sad or worried.

Try deep breathing or drawing to feel better.

Where can I get help for my feelings in the UK?

If you want to talk about your feelings or get help:

• Ask a doctor for help.
• You can call hotlines like Mind, Samaritans, or Childline.
• Tell someone you trust about how you feel.

These people can listen and help you feel better.

How can I get help from NHS mental health services?

If you feel worried, sad, or stressed, you can get help. The NHS is here to support you.

Here is what you can do:

• Visit your doctor (GP) and tell them how you feel. They can help you find the right services.
• Go to the NHS website for information and advice. You might find helpful tools there.
• Call NHS helplines to talk to someone who can listen and guide you.

Helpful tips:

• Write down how you feel before seeing the doctor, so you don't forget anything important.
• Ask a family member or friend to come with you for support.

What is the NHS IAPT program?

The NHS IAPT program helps people feel better if they are worried or sad. IAPT stands for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies. It is a way to talk to someone who can help you with your feelings.

It is for people who find it hard to enjoy life because they are anxious or unhappy.

You can talk to someone face-to-face, over the phone, or on the internet. This person is trained to help you understand your feelings and make you feel better.

To use the IAPT program, you can ask your doctor or contact the service directly.

If you find reading hard or want more help, you can:

• Ask a friend or family member to help you read it.
• Use text-to-speech tools that read text out loud.
• Write down your questions to ask someone who knows about it.

What are some signs of mental health problems?

Here is how you can tell if someone is having a hard time:

• They feel very sad a lot.
• They feel very worried or scared.
• They get angry easily.
• They stay away from friends and family.
• They find it hard to enjoy things they used to like.
• They have problems sleeping.
• They feel very tired all the time.
• They do not feel hungry or they eat too much.

If you notice these signs, it is good to talk to a grown-up you trust or a doctor. They can help. You can also use things like pictures or talking to someone to help understand your feelings better.

Can you get free mental health help from the NHS?

Yes, you can get free help for your mental health from the NHS.

If you need support, you can:

• Visit your doctor (GP) to talk about how you feel.
• Ask your doctor to connect you with mental health services.
• Look online for NHS mental health support.

Remember, it's ok to ask for help, and there are people who want to help you feel better.

What should I do to get help right away if I feel very upset or scared?

If you feel very upset or scared, you can get help. Here are some easy steps:

• Call someone you trust, like a family member or friend.
• Call a local doctor or mental health worker.
• Use a phone to call a helpline for help.

These people can talk to you and help you feel better.

Can I get help for my feelings online?

Yes, you can get help for your feelings on the computer or phone. Here are some easy ways:

• Use websites that help with feelings. They can have videos and simple advice.
• Talk to a helper using an app. Some apps let you chat with someone who listens.
• Watch online classes or groups where people talk about feelings.

If you find it hard to read, you can:

• Use text-to-speech tools that read words out loud.
• Look for videos that explain things by talking.
• Ask someone to help you understand the words.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help if you need it.

What types of help are there for mental health problems?

There are different kinds of help for mental health. Here are some ways people can get help:

• Talking to a doctor or therapist: This is when you speak with someone trained to listen and help you understand your feelings.
• Group support: This is when you meet with other people who have similar feelings and you can help each other.
• Medication: Some people need medicine to help them feel better.
• Relaxation techniques: Doing things like deep breathing or yoga can help you feel calm.
• Creative activities: Drawing, painting, or music can help express feelings.

If you find any of these hard to understand, you can use pictures or ask someone you trust to help explain. Always tell an adult if you feel very worried or sad.

Can I find help groups for mental health in the UK?

Yes, there are groups in the UK that help people with mental health problems. These groups can be good to talk with other people who understand. They can give you support and help.

Here are some things you can try:

• Ask someone you trust, like a family member or teacher, to help you find a group.
• Use the internet to look for mental health charities. They often have support groups.
• You can call a helpline. They can tell you where to find support groups near you.

Can I get private therapy in the UK?

Yes, you can get private therapy in the UK. This means you pay to see a counselor or therapist yourself, instead of through the NHS.

Private therapy can be faster. You might not have to wait long for an appointment.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Ask your doctor or friends if they know any good therapists.
• Check online for therapist directories. Websites like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) can help.
• Talk to more than one therapist to find someone you feel comfortable with.

You can also use things like:

• Video calls or phone calls if you can't travel.
• Calm music or a quiet room to help you relax during sessions.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help.

Can you get mental health medicine for free on the NHS?

The NHS can give you medicine to help with mental health. Sometimes you have to pay for it, but some people might get it for free.

If you see a doctor or talk to someone who helps with mental health, they can tell you more.

There are tools that can help you understand more, like asking someone to explain it or using pictures.

How can I help a friend or family member with mental health problems?

Do you have a friend or family member who feels very sad, worried, or stressed a lot? You can help them feel better! Here are some simple things you can do:

• Listen: Let them talk about their feelings. Show you care by listening carefully and not interrupting.
• Be There: Spend time with them. A good friend is always there when you need them.
• Talk to Them: Use kind words. Tell them it’s okay to ask for help.
• Help Them Find Support: Suggest talking to a doctor or counselor. They know how to help people feel better.
• Learn Together: Read books or look online about mental health to understand more.

It’s important to be kind and patient. Remind them they are loved and not alone.

What can I do if work stress feels too much?

Sometimes work can be too much and make you feel stressed. Here are some tips to help:

• Take deep breaths and count to 10. This can help you feel calm.
• Talk to someone you trust about how you feel. It can be a friend, family member, or counselor.
• Take short breaks during your work to rest and relax.
• Make a list of tasks and do them one by one.
• Try using a stress ball or listen to calming music.

Remember, it's important to take care of yourself. If the stress is too much, ask for help.

Can young people in the UK get help for mental health?

Yes, there are places young people in the UK can go for help with their feelings and thoughts.

Here are some ways to get support:

• Talk to someone you trust, like a family member or a teacher.
• Call or text a helpline that helps young people with mental health.
• Use apps that help with feeling better and staying calm.

Remember, it is okay to ask for help if you are feeling sad, worried, or upset.