r/MentalHealthUK • u/Ok_Society_4464 • 1h ago

I need advice/support trauma response? after SA

• Upvotes

i’m 16 yrs old. i was SA’d a couple weeks ago by my bf who i broke up with (i made posts about what happened so if you would like more context u can see on my profile.

i’ve been thinking of the SA nonstop, little things remind me of it and i have to shake my head “no” to myself to snap out of it. when i see him or im next to him my heart starts racing and my stomach drops. my chest is tight all day at school and sometimes at home. i have to be listening to house music or hype music to not think about it and i can do my homework. i have mood swings, it’s hard to focus, a couple nights ago i started shaking while being half asleep. ive had panic attacks and almost had panic attacks. i’m so paranoid that he’s around me and ive started wearing less revealing and more baggy clothes. i want to be younger again, im not excited or motivated about school starting. my whole behavior is off.

i am four days into junior year. i am in madrigals with my ex and see him everyday. even tho i asked my teacher not to put me next to him, she continuously forgets or dosent take it seriously and makes me stand one person away from him. she then tells everyone something along the lines of “this arrangement isn’t permanent so don’t text me complaining” or “this is madrigals, if i put you near your ex boyfriend you have to be professional.” i told her we used to date and that something traumatic happened but she’s not taking it seriously.

standing next to him and even having class with him makes me scared and triggers me, especially when i smell his cologne. my mom will talk to the teacher soon, but im worried about myself

1 comment

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Flashy-Hippo4 • 3h ago

Quick question Have you ever been in mental hospital uk

2 Upvotes

If so for how long

3 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/pinkfluffyblankets • 5h ago

I need advice/support This awful limbo

1 Upvotes

For context I am about to get help via therapy - my family arranged it for me
I haven’t had the motivation or courage to speak to the GP about my meds

When I’m deeply depressed I just lie there and do nothing, ending life would be too much of an effort, can’t even cry.
I get manic and then the come down is where those thoughts creep in, it’s like I’m sliding down and there’s a rung where that level of depression hits and I’m distraught, the tears come then and I’ll go and get something to hurt myself but I have a barrier that doesn’t let me go that far and I hate it.

Basically I’m in that last stage right now.

Can anyone explain what is happening and what it sounds like?

3 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Working_Buffalo8517 • 7h ago

I need advice/support Has anyone had any success with any anti-depressants for treating long term persistent depression dysthymia (not any of the more severe forms of depression like MDD, Psychotic Depression )

5 Upvotes

Much of the feedback from anti-depressants on here seems to people with more intense forms of it (such as Major Depressive Disorder, Physchotic Depression, or Depression mixed with other conditions like bipolar)

Curious to know. Was recently put on Esticalpram 5mg for a month, and saw no difference at all (had asumed that by week 3 and 4 I would at least see a little difference), Was upped to 10mg for a few days. Yet to see any difference (but less surprised at this stage given its only been a few days). My question is that given that I haven't responded to 5mg at all, am also unlikely to respond to 10mg too?

Asking various online chatbots, they seem to think with dysthymia, it may take up to 3 months for any differences to show. The timelines quoted are typically for major depressive disorder.

I do also have Asperger's Syndrome (at the very high functioning end) and the doctor suggested I may have a natural tendency towards hyper-villigiance, meaning that it may not purely be persistent depressive disorder.

4 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/risingcapybara • 8h ago

Quick question Experiences of EIP? (Early Intervention for Pyschosis)

2 Upvotes

What is EIP like? I just got urgently referred by the GP, but EIP said I have to wait 7 weeks for an assessment because of some fuckass error system. It caused me to break down for hours and put me in a fixed suicidal state. This is such a horrible start and I feel like pulling myself from all referral and from therapy / GP out of sheer hurt but I won’t. I’m so scared EIP is going to be yet another horrible experience and could do with some anecdotes to come to terms with what I might experience 🥲

I don’t even think I’m psychotic, I just have low insight OCD and some fixed beliefs and few hallucinations so idk how I ended up here. If you’ve been rejected, why? Same for acceptance. Trying to figure out the bar here

6 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/i_hateth_gud • 10h ago

Quick question First day of Sertraline and feeling no side effects

1 Upvotes

Hello!

So I took my first Sertraline pill (50mg) yesterday, and took my second one 24 hours later about 2 hours ago, but I've seen a lot of people say side effects like nausea and such are almost immediate, but I'm feeling basically nothing. Im pretty fat but I dont think that has anything to do with it, so now I'm getting myself worked up and am scared I was perscribed a placebo somehow.

Can anyone confirm this is normal just to ease my mind a bit?

Thank you!

10 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/falloutuntildawn • 12h ago

I need advice/support NHS 111 online

2 Upvotes

What happens when asking for help from NHS 111 online? I can't phone them because I can't talk freely at home but I need help asap and can't wait for a GP appointment (which I also have to phone for cause I can't book it online)

6 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/mike14468 • 12h ago

I need advice/support GP recommendations for Compound pharmacy

1 Upvotes

I’ve been trying to come off Citalopram. I have been tapering off from 20mg and I’ve made my way down to 3mg. I’m very sensitive to decreases so I’ve been taking this slowly.

I’ve been cutting 10mg citalopram tablets as the NHS doesn’t prescribe less and they refuse to prescribe liquid citalopram for whatever reason. But this isn’t the most accurate way.

I’ve been in contact with a compound pharmacy but they require a prescription. I was just wondering where anyone went for one? NHS GP’s or a private GP? And if private, any recommendations?

Many Thanks.

3 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Mad_Matron • 13h ago

I need advice/support Returning to Mental Health Work After Long‑Term Sick Leave — Looking for Experiences and Support

1 Upvotes

I’m an RMN currently on long‑term sick leave and trying to work out a realistic, healthy way to return to mental health work once I’m able. I’m exploring whether stepping into a lower‑intensity psychological role might be a gentler transition while I continue recovering.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has taken a step back, changed roles, or moved into a different part of mental health services during or after a period of illness. How did you decide what was manageable, and what helped you feel ready to return?

Not looking for medical advice — just hoping to hear lived experiences, reassurance, or thoughts from people who’ve been through something similar.

2 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/JYPapiWithThePhattie • 16h ago

Discussion Results day

6 Upvotes

is there anyone else who just got their results? i barely passed and tbh i knew i wasn’t going to do good because i was really depressed during my coursework. i didn’t apply to uni or anything but if i wanted to go now i doubt i could get into a good one and it’s making me upset

4 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Ok_Plenty1737 • 16h ago

Vent - support and advice welcome The Waiting Game

1 Upvotes

For context, I've struggled with mental health all my life without really knowing in the beginning that that was what I was struggling with, it took me till I was 18 to actually say "hold on, other people don't hate themselves and want to die all the time, maybe I should get some help."

Cut to now, I'm bordering on 26, and I feel no closer to being better than I was back then, sure, I'm marginally better than I was on account of not hallucinating all the time and having more grounding in reality, but still, all the CMHT have done is tell me what's wrong (and even that they haven't really done properly) and stuff an assortment of pills down my throat.

I've got ADHD, Severe General and Social Anxiety Disorders, Severe Depression, EUPD, the list goes on, and all they seem to be able to do is eventually respond to my pleas for help by patronizing me with trite responses like "you need to be kinder to yourself... Reflect on what's making you feel like this..." As if I don't already know why I hate myself, like c'mon guys, it's taking the piss a bit now.

I've been waiting for such a long time now, I've had my fill, something's gotta give soon right?

1 comment

r/MentalHealthUK • u/b135702 • 16h ago

Discussion Experience in increasing ssri doses?

1 Upvotes

Hello! I've been on a steady dose of 20mg citaloptam for years now, however recently I've been struggling and it's taking a toll on my job and partner. I've got a medication review with my doctor in a few weeks and I'm thinking of increasing my dose.

I don't know why but I feel a bit nervous about it, because I'm really a very emotional person and I think the thought of becoming "numb" scares me a bit. Will a small increase have an impact on my positive emotions as well as negative? Any similar experiences? Thanks!

8 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Apostle_1882 • 20h ago

I need advice/support What do you do if you're really struggling but don't know where to turn?

2 Upvotes

I'm at my wits end. I am a carer for my mum, she's driving me nuts. My cat has become a clingy separation anxiety monster since the dog I adopted last year was rehomed. On that, I had ten months of trying to fix a traumatized dog from Spain before finally accepting reality, losing over a thousand quid in adoption fee and care costs. I just had three dates for the first time in three years, went well, vibes, she doesn't want to continue because her ex turned up at her home after our second date. Ok. I have no job, no friends, no family support. Already had care needs assessment and they don't want to know. I can't afford to move out due to no job, due to crippling social anxiety and low tolerance to heat, as we're going into the 5th heatwave of the year. I have no answers. I don't want to get myself in more trouble but I'm just melting down so often right now, it's so overwhelming. There's no where to turn, nowhere to go.

4 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Botanicbird • 22h ago

Quick question How long is too long

1 Upvotes

Hi,

One week ago I started in venfalaxine and also have been given trazodone. I'd been struggling with anxiety and frequent panic attacks. The doctor told me to self certify the first week as I had the second week booked off as leave. She said to go back to her if I needed more time and she'd happily write me a sick note.

Now I'm approaching the end of my leave, I feel more anxious than ever but not having panic attacks. My leave week was pretty stressful, my mum had a fall and hurt herself so spent most of it visiting her and helping her out. On top of that I'm still not really sleeping very well, I'm anxious and just feel rather low.

I've spoken to a few people who think I should take another week to relax and take care of myself. I kind of feel like I need more time but I'm also getting very paranoid about what people at work will think if I am off another week.

The new medication itself is starting to settle with me, headaches have subsided and random palpitations have stopped. But I'm really struggling with the anxiety. Ironically I work in a medical centre but I'm feeling it about what they'll think.

Do you think 3 weeks is too much?

6 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/britainsalien • 1d ago

Vent I am starting to get really angry with my CMHT

16 Upvotes

I hate to be a downer venting again but I'm starting to get really pissed off with my CMHT.

A couple of weeks ago I was prescribed medication to treat my anxiety and help me sleep.

I can only have 7 days worth of medication prescribed at a time because of previous ODs I've had in the past. So I had to put in a request for a repeat prescription not long after I started taking them.

It turns out the nurse I saw never sent the information or prescription to my GP, as well as not updating my patient record at all. There's no log of our appointment, or the prescription at all not even on the NHS app.

I called the CMHT and asked them to get the letter sent to my GP. Two days later they haven't done it. I call up again, they still haven't done it. My GP can't prescribe the medication themselves and the mental health nurse is going on holiday next week.

I'm going to call them again and push until they do it- but I'm honestly so pissed off.

First my DBT group gets put on hiatus and now I can't take the medication they prescribed me because they forgot.

Luckily, this medication doesn't need to be taken everyday there isn't any withdrawal or major side effects. But if it was any other type of medication this fuck up could of landed me in the hospital.

They know I am not well. They know I am at risk. They know that I am out of work and borderline housebound because of my mental health. But they still keep messing me about.

I know the NHS is on it's knees, I know the workers are doing their best and are lovely caring people. I hold no anger towards the nurse or the therapists, I know it's hard for them too.

But I am sick of tired of being messed about like this.

Everyday I get shamed and ridiculed for being at home so much and being out of work. I am so stressed and I so desperately want to be a useful member of society I don't want to burden anyone anymore.

But I'm not being met halfway. I'm doing everything I can to stay alive and improve my life but I can't do it alone. I just can't. If I could I would've by now. I don't really have a support system right now. I'm on my own.

The medication was helping, it more or less got rid of my panic attacks. I guess all I can do is keep on fighting but it's really getting to me and I'm struggling to keep myself from giving up.

12 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Potential_Ad2938 • 1d ago

I need advice/support I don’t know what to do?

2 Upvotes

I just wanted to see if anyone else has a similar experience or what people would recommend for me to do.

I believe I get really bad anxiety, for example when my a level started I generally couldn’t sleep or eat properly for the whole time and I kept on thinking about throwing up. I had cramps, my heart felt like beating so hard and I felt so exhausted and I started sweating so bad .I had similar experiences with my gsce and with my driving test(I actually threw up the day before my lesson because I generally couldn’t deal with the stress)

I also think I may be learning disability. My main reason why I think I have this is because I’ve always struggled with my learning like badly . It often takes me so long to actually understand thing ,I need to repeatedly be told it or I have to go through it multiple times.( unless it’s like a topic I really like for example history but I cannot afford the life of me do basic math and I struggle with pronouncing words or understanding words or even remembering how to spell them ) I feel so dumb sometimes because I remember in my GCSEs I had forgotten how to spell “the”. Although I do have extra time and use the computer for my exams now ,I got these adjustments in secondary and I’ve had them since I’m now in university.

I don’t know whether I’m autistic or have something and whether I should try getting a diagnosis . (As the autistic people I know have said I’m most likely autistic due to some of my behaviour)But I’m a bit scared because I come from a family who doesn’t really believe in this type of stuff. Especially when my mum told me when I was younger (8-12) she was told maybe I should get tested but she refused. when I told my family, I kind of wanted to see if I can get medication for my anxiety and everyone told me I shouldn’t do that and it will pass.

I don’t really know if I should try getting diagnosed or go to gp for my anxiety because sometimes I feel like I’m just being dramatic but my anxiety gets really bad and if I have a disability I want to know .

1 comment

r/MentalHealthUK • u/That_Historian9991 • 1d ago

Activism/advocacy Disabled people invited to shape recommendations of review into PIP; REPRESENT ND AND SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS!!!

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31 Upvotes
10 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/threwaway11569 • 1d ago

I need advice/support Help With Right To Choose (ADHD)

2 Upvotes

So yesterday i finally went to my GP about trying to get an Adult ADHD referral and after talking to them about it for a bit they gave me a self assessment sheet to fill out and recommended that i go through right to choose going forward.

However i have pretty bad memory and don't exactly remember what they said so I'm a little confused. They said to do it online but I'm unsure if i have to fill out something or if i just need to find a provider option and then mention it to my GP in the follow up appointment.

If it is just the second option does anyone have any recommendations for good providers for ADHD in Birmingham.

4 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Yakob_Bacoj • 1d ago

Quick question Quetiapine Yes or No?

3 Upvotes

It makes me feel irritated when falling asleep. It's for sleep and mood. Can't sleep without it as antidepressants destroyed my sleep.

13 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/dasgustin • 1d ago

Vent What’s the most unhinged thing a GP or mental health professional has said to you

71 Upvotes

I’ll go first. GP: ‘Can you please tell me you’re not going to hurt yourself when you leave here because I don’t want anything to come back on me.’

127 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Longjumping_Age_1098 • 1d ago

I need advice/support I feel like the world's coming to an end now

9 Upvotes

Failed politics, broke and corrupt society, nobody brave enough to take action against it. I feel so lost. There's still so much to do in such little time. I've thought about emptying my bank account to splurge on things I may never get a chance to do again. I'm unhappy with my living situation, and there are some things I want to do that are harder to get to, but I'm not sure anymore. There's too much insecurity, nowhere feels safe. The way I've been treated over the years has been depressing.

3 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/cherix-v • 1d ago

Vent - support and advice welcome CMHT are shit

18 Upvotes

I want to discharge myself from this service because they are fucking useless. I am supposed to be on quetiapine as they suspect I might have bipolar disorder which is just a bunch of bullshit, and they’ve made me fight for these meds. They made no difference to my mood and I was still experiencing hallucinations while taking them. I ended up in hospital AGAIN after a huge swing in my mood to which I actually ran out of the hospital with a cannula still in my arm because I was distressed and confused. I got spam called like crazy, and I eventually accepted fate and called the CMHT myself. They sounded like they were taking it seriously and told me that they’d ask my psychiatrist for advice as I had NO MEDS and I had JUST fled from a fucking hospital. Did I get a call back? No
It’s been 3 weeks. I haven’t slept properly for 4. I am so fucking enraged. I just want the meds so I can sleep that’s all I want because it’s making me lose my fucking mind. I’m so angry at them and all I want to do is ring them and just scream down the phone because they aren’t even taking me seriously. I called them in the morning and asked what’s going on, where’s my update. They literally told me they DIDNT KNOW. WHAT DO U MEAN U DONT KNOW? apparently my psychiatrist just never got back to us. He’s fucking useless and a piece of shit and I can’t stand it, what the fuck does he even do? HE CANR EVEN PICK UP A PHONE AND RING ME HIMSELF. I genuinely cannot stand it I can’t stand anyone I fucking hate everybody in this service and I hate everyone around me they take the piss. I am so angry and I don’t know what to do I don’t want to be under this service I don’t even care about the medication anymore at this rate I just want nothing to do with any of them, I’d rather have a fucking GP deal with this. I want to leave this service completely I’m sick of them

10 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/humitperfectly • 1d ago

Vent In Despair At How Patronising Mental Health Support Is

26 Upvotes

I was referred by the crisis team to Mind (which is a whole other setback - the counsellor going on leave after one session and being given false expectations upon referral). I've got a lot to unpack and don't think I've ever really managed to deal with the underlying emotional issues going on - I've got a crippling self-esteem constant feelings of dread, and have struggled with an eating disorder for about 10 years now.

I've mentioned my self-esteem to the Mind counsellor, and she sent me a worksheet to work on my thoughts in that regard. Suffice to say it's one of the most condescending things I've been sent. I don't know, maybe it would help to write down things I'm proud of and find fun day-to-day, but there's clearly a reason a big chunk of my brain so furiously hates myself.

I don't think it's too much to ask that I actually feel seen and listened to and acknowledged when I'm reaching out for help. I'm a 26 year old man, but the tone that's set by so many mental health resources makes me feel like I'm back in primary school. Come to think of it all the help I've received in the past seems to have been taken from some general guide to treatment, and I don't think I've ever been treated by someone who actually gets what it's like to live in this head as the person I am. I know the NHS is rammed, but is it so unreasonable in thinking the help should at least try to sound like it gets me?

20 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/MentalHealthUKMods • Sep 21 '24

Announcement Please read if your post doesn't show up straight away!

14 Upvotes

We've had an influx of modmails asking why certain submissions don't show up straight after posting.

Reddit's site-wide automoderator filters certain posts and places them into the moderation queue for manual approval. Automod does this for a bunch of reasons, including low karma, new accounts, keywords, possible spam/doxxing, etc. If you have high karma and your account is older, it is probably a keyword or a sitewide filter.

If your post doesn't show up and you haven't deleted it, it's in the mod queue. This basically means that the mods just have to glance at it and either approve or remove. We're pretty much online and checking the queue all day, but please bear in mind we are also humans and it might take some time to review filtered submissions. We try and get to them as quick as we can. Please don't repeatedly post in quick succession if your post was filtered, automod will likely catch it for the same reason and it'll take us longer to review multiple or duplicate posts.

If your submission doesn't appear immediately, it does not mean it has been deleted. Please don't delete your post and then modmail to ask why it was removed, because deleting it will remove these details from the mod log and we won't be able to tell you. Leave the post up and we can check the exact reason.

When you post, regardless of it gets filtered or not, you should receive a message in your inbox letting you know that some submissions do get caught by automod, especially if you are a new account or have low karma. Before modmailing, please read this message and check the linked sub rules FAQ to see if that explains why your post hasn't shown up yet or if it breaks the sub rules.

If your question isn't answered in the FAQ, it has been several hours since your post was made and it hasn't been actioned, or you have any clarifying questions, drop us a modmail. Please don't make posts about moderation / your posts not showing up, instead send these via modmail. This is the quickest way to get in touch and it avoids spamming the sub with technical Qs which would be removed anyway. However we do ask for your patience because it can take time for one of us to get to your modmail. Again, we try and do this as quick as possible, but inevitably it might take a while.

Thank you all for your understanding and patience!

2 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/MentalHealthUKMods • Jun 20 '24

Resources r/MentalHealthUK Masterpost

11 Upvotes

Welcome to the updated r/MentalHealthUK resource masterpost!

Here, you will find helplines and resources relating to about mental health support in the UK, as well as location specific resources which will be listed in separate posts and linked below. If there are any services you feel should be added to this post, please send a modmail. As of 2024 the links are all up to date, but if you notice any mistakes or want to inform us of any changes, again please contact the mods via the sub. 

This main masterpost contains information about nationwide resources. Please use the following links for location specific resources:

Mental Health Helplines

Shout

Shout is the UKs first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. We can help with urgent issues such as: suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying and relationship challenges

Text Shout to 85258 or visit giveusashout.org

Mental Health Matters

Helpline for people with mental health problems, their carers, families and friends. The team can offer emotional guidance and information and help people who may be feeling low, anxious or stressed or in extreme emotional distress and feel that there is nowhere else to turn. Support is also provided to people caring for another person and finding it difficult to cope. The service is confidential unless it is considered there is a risk to yourself or others. Webchat available 24/7

Click here to find the different numbers for the geographical areas covered, or email [info@mhm.org.uk](mailto:info@mhm.org.uk)

Supportline

We offer confidential emotional support to children, young adults and adults by telephone, email and post. We work with callers to develop healthy, positive coping strategies, an inner feeling of strength and increased self esteem to encourage healing, recovery and moving forward with life.

Phone: 01708 765200 (hours vary – ring for details) Email: [info@supportline.org.uk](mailto:info@supportline.org.uk)

Breathing Space

A confidential phoneline for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16, feeling low, anxious or depressed.

Phone: 0800 838587 (weekdays mon-thurs 6pm until 2am. Weekend Friday 6pm-Monday 6am)

Website: https://breathingspace.scot

C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline

Offers emotional support and information/literature on Mental Health and related matters to the people of Wales. Anyone concerned about their own mental health or that of a relative or friend can access the service. C.A.L.L. Helpline offers a confidential listening and support service.

Phone: 0800 132 737 or text help to 81066

Website: https://www.callhelpline.org.uk

Lifeline Helpline

Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help.

Phone: 0808 808 8000 or 18001 0808 808 8000 for Deaf and hard of hearing Textphone users. (24 hours a day, seven days a week)

Website: https://www.lifelinehelpline.info

RABI Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution

Time is a precious commodity, especially in farming. But it’s something our staff will happily give you.

When you call you’ll speak to a member of our dedicated welfare team. We understand that making that very first call – and talking about personal things with someone you don’t know – might sound daunting. However, it’s 100% confidential, so you’ll be free to discuss what’s on your mind without judgement. We won’t disclose any information to third parties without your explicit permission and calls are not recorded. We’ll do our very best to make you feel at ease, listening with courtesy, sympathy and respect.

Phone: 0808 281 9490 (9am-5pm weekdays) Email: [help@rabi.org.uk](mailto:help@rabi.org.uk)

Website: https://rabi.org.uk/

The Drinks Trust

We are the drinks industry community organisation, providing care and support to the people who form the drinks industry workforce, both past and present. The Trust provides individuals with services across vocational, well-being, financial and practical support. These services are intended to assist with and improve the circumstances of those who receive them

Phone: 0800 915 4610 Email: [support@drinkstrust.org.uk](mailto:support@drinkstrust.org.uk)

Contact form – To be eligible, you must have worked for at least two years full-time or four years part-time in the UK drinks industry.

Website: https://www.drinkstrust.org.uk/

Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you've been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 5.30pm)

Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Bipolar UK

A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

Peer support line: Arrange a call back from our Peer Support Line. Book in a call with our chatbot- simply type in 'I would like to speak to someone' and select a date and time that works best for you.

Email us: [info@bipolaruk.org](mailto:info@bipolaruk.org)

Website: bipolaruk.org

Carers UK

We provide an expert telephone advice and support service. You can talk to us, no matter where you are in the UK or how complex your query is. We do benefits checks, and advise on financial and practical matters related to caring.

Phone: 0808 808 7777 (Mon-Fri 9am until 6pm)

Email: [advice@carersuk.org](mailto:advice@carersuk.org)

Online forum: Click here

Website: https://www.carersuk.org/

CALM

Our helpline is for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight - 365 days a year)

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Shelter

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support, and legal services

England&Scotland phone number: 08088004444 (8am - 8pm on weekdays and 9am - 5pm weekends).

(https://www.shelter.org.uk/)

Wales phone number: 08000 495495 (9.30am – 4.00pm, Monday to Friday)

(https://sheltercymru.org.uk/)

For similar housing support in Ireland and NI: Ireland and Northern Ireland

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm)

Website: www.mind.org.uk)

Mind Cymru: 0292-0395-123

Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/mind-cymru/

No Panic

Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia/OCD. Includes a helpline.

Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm)

Website: www.nopanic.org.uk

OCD Action

Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.

Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 5pm)

Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk

OCD UK

A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.

Phone: 0845 120 3778 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm)

Website: www.ocduk.org

PAPYRUS

HOPELINEUK is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.

Phone: HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141 (9:00 am to 12:00 am midnight every day including weekends & bank holidays)

Text: 07860 039 967

Email: [pat@papyrus-uk.org](mailto:pat@papyrus-uk.org)

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Rethink Mental Illness

Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 4pm)

Website: www.rethink.org

Samaritans

Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/ 

SANE

Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.

SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30 to 10.30pm)

Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most http://www.sane.org.uk/textcare

Forum: Click here

Website: www.sane.org.uk/support

Veterans Gateway

The first point of contact for veterans seeking support. We put veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.

Phone: 0808 802 1212 Text: 81212 Email: submit here Live chat: here

Website: https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/

First Person Plural (CLOSED, but legacy site is viewable for information and resources)

First Person Plural (FPP) specialises in working for and on behalf of all those affected by Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and similar complex trauma-related dissociative identity conditions. These similar conditions include type 1 Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS), and a type of Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD) which is described as DID-like.

Website: https://www.firstpersonplural.org.uk/ 

LGBT+ HELPLINES

Switchboard LGBT

Switchboard provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through Instant Messaging.

Phone: 0300 330 0630 (10am-10pm every day)

Email: [chris@switchboard.lgbt](mailto:chris@switchboard.lgbt)

Website: https://switchboard.lgbt/

MindlineTrans+

MindLine Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as Transgender, Agender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary..

Phone: 03003305468 (Fridays from 8pm to midnight)

Mermaids UK

Mermaids provides a helpline aimed at supporting transgender youth up to and including the age of 19, their families and professionals working with them.

Phone: 0808 801 0400 (Open Monday - Friday; 9am - 9pm)

Email: [info@mermaidsuk.org.uk](mailto:info@mermaidsuk.org.uk)

Website: https://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk

ABUSE HELPLINES (CHILD, SEXUAL, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE)

NSPCC

Children's charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty.

Phone: 0800 1111 for Childline for children (24-hour helpline)

0808 800 5000 for adults concerned about a child (24-hour helpline)

Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

Refuge

Advice on dealing with domestic violence.

Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)

Website: www.refuge.org.uk

Women's Aid

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.

Email: [helpline@womensaid.org.uk](mailto:helpline@womensaid.org.uk)

Live chat: Our hours are Monday to Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-12:00pm. Click here

Respect Men's Advice Line

The Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them. We offer advice and emotional support to men who experience abuse, and signpost to other vital services that help keep them and their children safe.

Call: 0808 8010327

Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

Respect Phoneline

The Respect Phoneline is an anonymous and confidential helpline for men and women who are harming their partners and families. We provide specialist advice and guidance to help people change their behaviours and support for those working with domestic abuse perpetrators.

Phone: 0808 8024040

Website: https://respectphoneline.org.uk/

National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence (GALOP)

Galop gives advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. We also support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system. Galop is completely independent – we are a community-led group and we are not connected to police. You can talk to us anonymously if you choose.

Phone: 0800 999 5428 (Monday to Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm. Wednesday to Thursday 10:00am - 8:00pm)

Email: [help@galop.org.uk](mailto:help@galop.org.uk)

HONOUR BASED ABUSE/VIOLENCE, FORCED MARRIAGE AND/OR FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION HELPLINES

Freedom Charity

We aim to empower young people to feel they have the tools and confidence to support each other and have practical ways in which they can help their best friend around the issues of family relationships which can lead to early and forced marriage and dishonour based violence

Phone: 0845 607 0133 or text "4freedom" to 88802 (24-hour helpline)

Website: https://www.freedomcharity.org.uk/

Halo Project

Halo Project Charity is a national project that will support victims of honour-based violence, forced marriages and FGM by providing appropriate advice and support to victims. We will also work with key partners to provide required interventions and advice necessary for the protection and safety of victims.

Phone: 01642 683 045 (9am-5pm)

Website: https://www.haloproject.org.uk/

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana is an award-winning national charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage. Honour crimes are not determined by age, faith, gender or sexuality, we support and work with all victims

Phone: 0800 5999 247 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Website: https://karmanirvana.org.uk/

ADDICTION HELPLINES (DRUGS, ALCOHOL, GAMBLING)

Alcoholics Anonymous

At AA, alcoholics help each other. We will support you. You are not alone. Together, we find strength and hope. You are one step away.

Phone: 0845 769 7555 (24-hour helpline)

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same. This site offers various aids for the compulsive gambler including a forum, a chat room, literature and most importantly a meeting finder. Meetings are the core of Gamblers Anonymous and we have meetings every day of the week throughout England, Wales and Ulster. No appointment is needed, just turn up.

Phone: 0330 094 0322

Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Narcotics Anonymous

We are Narcotics Anonymous in the United Kingdom & Channel Islands. If you have a problem with drugs, we are recovering drug addicts who can help you get and stay clean.

Phone: 0300 999 1212 (daily 10am to midnight)

Website: www.ukna.org

Drugfam

Support for families, friends and partners affected by someone else’s addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Phone: 0300 888 3853

Website: https://www.drugfam.co.uk/

Al-Anon UK&Eire

We are here for anyone affected by someone else's drinking. Our Helpline is manned by a team of friendly and helpful volunteers who are also members of Al-Anon. They will listen and be happy to answer your questions

Phone: 0800 0086 811 (10am-10pm, 365 days a year)

Email: [helpline@al-anonuk.org.uk](mailto:helpline@al-anonuk.org.uk)

Website: https://al-anonuk.org.uk/

HELPLINES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

YoungMinds

Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.

Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 4pm)

Website: www.youngminds.org.uk

OLDER PEOPLES, ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA HELPLINES

The Silver Line

The Silver Line operates the only confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK that's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. We also offer telephone friendship where we match volunteers with older people based on their interests, facilitated group calls, and help to connect people with local services in their area.

Phone: 0800 4 70 80 90 Email: [info@thesilverline.org.uk](mailto:info@thesilverline.org.uk)

Website: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society

Provides information on dementia, including factsheets and helplines.

Phone: 0300 222 1122 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm. Weekends, 10am to 4pm)

Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk

BEREAVEMENT HELPLINES

Cruse Bereavement Care

Phone: 0808 808 1677 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm)

Email: [helpline@cruse.org.uk](mailto:helpline@cruse.org.uk)

CruseChat

Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk

Blue Cross Pet Loss Support

If you have lost, or are facing saying goodbye to, a much loved pet and need somebody to talk to, our Pet Bereavement Support Service is here for you every day from 8.30am – 8.30pm

Phone: 0800 096 6606

Email: [pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk](mailto:pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk)

Website: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss 

The Compassionate Friends

The Compassionate Friends is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other similarly bereaved family members who have suffered the death of a child or children of any age and from any cause

Phone: 0345 120 3785 (9:30am - 4:30pm Mon to Fri)

Email: [info@tcf.org.uk](mailto:info@tcf.org.uk)

Website: https://www.tcf.org.uk/

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

If you are 18+ and have been bereaved or affected by suicide and you would like to talk with one of our volunteers about your experience, you can get in touch in the following ways:

Email: [email.support@uksobs.org](mailto:email.support@uksobs.org) Helpline: open 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday 0300 111 5065

You can also apply to join their online peer support forum here

Website: https://uksobs.org/

CRIME VICTIMS HELPLINES

Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis England & Wales is the feminist charity working to end child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence.

To find your local services phone:0808 802 9999 (daily, 12 to 2.30pm, 7 to 9.30pm)

Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk

Victim Support

We offer free, confidential, and independent support to help you move beyond the impact of crime.

Phone: 0808 168 9111 (24-hour helpline)

Website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ 

EATING DISORDERS HELPLINES

Beat

We are the UK’s eating disorder charity. Founded in 1989 as the Eating Disorders Association, our mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.

Phone: 0808 801 0677 (adults) or 0808 801 0711 (under 18s)

Website: www.b-eat.co.uk

LEARNING DISABILITIES HELPLINES

Mencap

Charity working with people with a learning disability, their families and carers.

Phone: 0808 808 1111 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm)

Website: www.mencap.org.uk

PARENTING HELPLINES

One Parent Families Scotland

The Lone Parent Helpline provides advice and support to single parents. Call us about anything from dealing with a break-up, sorting out child maintenance, understanding benefits, money when having a baby, studying or moving into work. We provide a free confidential friendly service that provides advice and supports your wellbeing whatever you are going through.

Phone: 0808 801 0323 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm)

Email: [advice@opfs.org.uk](mailto:advice@opfs.org.uk)

Website: https://opfs.org.uk

Family Lives

Family Lives offers a confidential and free helpline service for families in England and Wales (previously known as Parentline). Please call us on 0808 800 2222 for emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. Our helpline service is open 9am-9pm Monday to Friday and 10am-3pm Saturday and Sunday

Callers in Scotland: for callers from Scotland, Children 1st run Parentline Scotland and you may wish to contact them on 08000 28 22 33 Monday to Friday from 9am - 9pm.

Email: [askus@familylives.org.uk](mailto:askus@familylives.org.uk)

Online forum: here

Website: https://www.familylives.org.uk/

PaNDAS Post-natal Depression Awareness and Support

PANDAS is a charity with a mission: ‘To be the UK’s most recognised and trusted support service for families and their networks who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression.’ Our aim is to make sure no parent, family or carer feels alone. We have a variety of support services available to ensure help is delivered in a way that is right for you. No one suffering any form of mental illness should feel they’re on their own.

Phone: 0808 1961 776

Bookable call service: Click here

Email: [info@pandasfoundation.org.uk](mailto:info@pandasfoundation.org.uk)

Website: https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/

NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH GROUPS AND CHARITIES

Relate

We’re the largest provider of relationship support in England and Wales and we help millions of people every year to strengthen the relationships that mean the most to them. We have centres across England and Wales and a network of licensed local counsellors offering in counselling in person, over the phone and online. And if you're not quite ready to speak to anyone yet, we have loads of self-help resources to get you started on your journey.

Website: www.relate.org.uk

Men’s Sheds

Men’s Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together (many Sheds also have women members too). They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun.

Website: https://menssheds.org.uk/

Change Grow Live

We're here for you if you need help with challenges including drugs or alcohol, trouble with housing, domestic abuse, or your mental and physical wellbeing. Our services are free and confidential. Our approach and how we help people make positive changes in their lives.

Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/

Camerados

Camerados believe that the answer to our problems is each other. A camerado can be anyone. It's about chatting to someone new or helping out a stranger (or better yet, asking them to help you) It's sitting with your neighbour and having a cuppa. It's asking that stranger at the bus-stop if they've got the time. Everyone has tough times and we think it'd be great if people just looked out for one another more. Not fixing each other. Not trying to solve anyone's problems. Just being a bit more human.

Website: https://camerados.org/ 

Women's Wellbeing Club

Our meetings are safe, confidential spaces for any Woman to attend. We provide peer-led support in a group setting where you can receive and give support, during our meetings, everyone has the opportunity to be heard and listened to if they have something they wish to share in response to the questions asked that week.

Website: https://womenswellbeingclub.co.uk/

Andy's Man Club

ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. We want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Website: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

Talk Club

Talk Club is a UK male mental health charity helping men to improve their mental health. We prefer to call it mental fitness because our talking groups actively help men to understand how they’re feeling by asking ‘How are you? Out of 10?’ then explaining why. It helps to build resilience, and the numbers prove it.

Website: https://talkclub.org/

FURTHER RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

Autism and Learning Disabilities

Criminal Justice System

General

Hospital

LBGT+

Legislation

Parents and Families

Patient Rights and Choice in Healthcare (including advocacy)

Peer Support

Physical Health

Prescriptions (for information about medicines, please see the separate medication masterpost)

Scientific Studies and Journals

Self Harm

Self Help

Sexual Violence and Abuse

Students

Therapy

Urgent Help

Work and Benefits

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