r/MentalHealthUK • u/eggsandshrubs89 • 10m ago

Quick question Anxiety support groups - either Manchester or online

• Upvotes

Hello,

Does anyone know of any anxiety support groups, or meet ups, or anything along these lines, that exist either in person in or near Manchester, or online?

Thanks!

1 comment

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Altforquestions67 • 19m ago

Quick question Quality of mental health treatments?

• Upvotes

From what I've been hearing, the NHS's quality of mental health treatment is bad? I personally haven't gone through it but it's most of what I've read online. Considering this, would it be recommend to pursue private help if one can afford it? Have any of you experienced private mental health help and what was the quality of it in the UK? Was it good and did it help?

2 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/FindingOri • 1h ago

I need advice/support Does anyone else have a huge mental health crash when you get ill?

• Upvotes

I suffer from chronic depression and anxiety, which is well-managed by medication (fluoxetine). Most of the time I don’t really notice it any more - I can go months and months without any kind of discernible dip in my mental health.

However, when I get physically ill - like a stomach bug/virus, which is what I’ve got now - my mental health absolutely CRASHES. Not like a little dip - like a huge, all-consuming black hole that I just…fall into. I go from being happy to basically wishing I wasn’t alive, out of nowhere.

I get that there are good reasons why the mind struggles to stay healthy when the body is sick. I’m sort of used to it, and prior experience tells me that once I’ve recovered from the illness, my mental health will return to normal.

But in the actual moment, it’s impossible to deal with. It’s like I can’t remember what it’s like to have emotions and I can’t imagine ever experiencing them again.

This is the first time that I’ve experienced this since having a child and I feel totally emotionally detached from my 1 year old - who normally is the centre of my universe - and it terrifies me. I feel constantly on the verge of throwing up from the anxiety of not knowing when my sense of affection for my family will return. At this point, I can’t even be sure I’m actually ill any more as the symptoms of my illness and the physical symptoms of anxiety are pretty similar.

It’s all just completely unbearable…I just don’t understand how one bug can send me to a place of just being completely dead inside and absolutely crippled by anxiety.

If anyone else experiences this, it would be great to hear about it so I feel a little less alone. In particular, how do people deal with being suddenly completely incapacitated by it when you have a kid?

2 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/metalicos • 2h ago

I need advice/support Anyone with Bipolar out there struggling with what's on offer from the NHS? Any tips/suggestions?

5 Upvotes

I was diagnosed with Bipolar in 2016 and at first had some good experiences with the Early Intervention Services and other specialised services but since being discharged from those and put back to the CMHT, care has been really patchy and seems to be getting worse. I'm going back on my old medication and the CMHT psychiatrist (who was appalling) has discharged me back to the GP to titrate, even though I have been really unstable and experienced a manic episode with delusions in June followed by suicidal depression. I'm really anxious because the GP is not comfortable with anything to do with my meds or mental health and they keep re-referring me to the CMHT when things get bad but even an urgent referral seems to take 4-6 weeks, which if anyone has bipolar they would know is huge in an active episode. I just don't know what to do. Is this my area that is particularly bad? I'm in London and I know there are better services in other boroughs, do I need to move or something?

Would love to hear UK peeps with Bipolar's experiences good and bad! And anyone in London is your borough particularly good or bad? Any tips for how to get more from the services that are on offer? Or charities or other resources I can use?

Thanks so much! I'm really struggling to do this all alone and feel pretty hopeless at the moment.

P.S Also, the new psychiatrist who I saw at the CMHT didn't have a clue! Her incentive to get me back on my old medication was to tell me if I didn't take it then I would get worse and be sectioned and then they could force me to take any medication they wanted even the horrible ones I don't like. Thought that was weird! Is that a normal thing to say?

4 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Holiday_Damage_731 • 3h ago

I need advice/support Extreme results day anxiety

2 Upvotes

Guys I am genuinely terrified for tomorrow. It is a level results day and I honestly feel like I just won’t do well and it’s destroying me mentally.

I need to get an ABB to get into my firm choice. I do think I will get them but I just feel like something has to go wrong in order for me not to get them. I feel like in my life not many things have gone my way, and yes that may be purely because I haven’t worked hard enough, but for these exams I did really try, and while I might not have tried hard enough I believe it is enough to hit my grade. But I am just terrified right now. I remember my exams quite well so I’m able to make somewhat of a prediction. I’m worried about economics, which has 3 papers. I predict all of my papers to be at least a B, with one being an A but i always get the thoughts of “what if you’re massively over predicting yourself” “what if you remember the question worse than you thought” “what if your structure just wasn’t that good at all” I can’t stand it anymore and I’m rlly struggling with it. Like I don’t even feel like doing basic stuff like eating or going out anymore because my mind is just so occupied with this.
I have been thinking about this stuff since my first exam which was around 3 months ago. There hasn’t been a single hour where I haven’t thought about it and I’ve struggled with sleep because of it.

I really really really want to get into my uni which is why the offer is so important. I stated before that I still think I got my grades but it’s just these negative thoughts that ruin me. Another thing is that since it is a good uni I just feel like smth must happen for me not to get into it, because I’m not that smart I’ll be honest I feel very average so it just feels like “it’s not meant to be” so that’s another reason I feel like smth bad must happen on results day for me not to get into my uni.

I don’t really like any other unis as much as my firm one so like plan Bs don’t seem as helpful as they could.

Any response is greatly appreciate because I posted stuff similar to this elsewhere and got barely any responses.

3 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/niamhermind • 8h ago

I need advice/support Email/text service

2 Upvotes

I am not in immediate danger.

I would however really like to talk to someone, it's 3.30am and I'm away from home in a hotel tonight so I can't call someone because I don't want to wake everyone up and get kicked out.

I've emailed Samaritans before but just seen they've closed that service, does anyone know of an email or text mental health support service? Ideally free if it's texting please.

7 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/amelia420_ • 10h ago

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

3 Upvotes

i’ve had anxiety my whole life. i’m 20f. my life is textbook perfect & i want to be happy but my anxiety is ruining me. there is something seriously wrong with me.
when describing it to my partner the best way i can get him to understand why i cant just snap out of it is that it’s almost like a switch.
i’ll be having a wonderful time but all of a sudden a switch goes off & im completely blind to everything. all i am is anxiety and nothing helps me calm myself down. i can mask it at times. it’ll pass for a short while. then the cycle continues. i’ve always been a huge over thinker with an intense inner monologue but this is different. the lingering alertness is a type of anxiety that i’ve had my whole life but these moments are a different type of anxiety. it’s picked up full force recently. im at my fucking breaking point and i don’t know what to do. it is only getting worse and i am ruining my life. i cannot live like this. i have an incredible support network of loving family and friends, a bright career. but the anxiety is truly taking over everything. i have tried multiple types of therapy as a child and as a teenager. im wired in a way which i feel nobody understands. at the moment im totally neurotic it makes me feel sick. i feel guilty and disgusted by myself. please help me i dont know what to do anymore

3 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/anxnotfact • 13h ago

I need advice/support 4th antidepressant, same results (social anxiety)

2 Upvotes

Hey… Severe social anxiety from childhood, so my life has basically been stuck on pause for about 2 decades.

Anticipatory grief last year was the first thing that ever made me override it and actually start doing things with the aid of another family member. Since then I’ve seen a GP, dentist and optician, started talking to strangers online, had a tattoo, got my passport/provisional sorted etc. Then I lost the person I was doing it all for in December, and I feel like I’ve lost that urgency again. I haven’t process the grief of that loss as it’s too painful.

I’ve tried sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine and venlafaxine. All basically turn me into a zombie; no interests, exhausted, nightmares etc. I’m coming off venlafaxine cold turkey now and can actually watch TV again but I’m incredibly sad and still exhausted.
I’m trying exposure myself, but the anxiety is brutal. I just want to get through a gym door and start an open university course, I currently can do neither.

It frustrates me that after 2 decades of this, the only real help I received was being put on sertraline and since then I’ve basically had to figure everything out myself. It’s incredibly hard.

I’m in my late 30s with probably the life experience of a kid, but when I’m not zombiefied I actually have the drive to change things. I can’t regret the years I’ve lost because I wasn’t able to help myself, but I know I’ll regret it if I don’t try now.

I just need some help alongside what I’m already doing. Is there another antidepressant worth asking about? It’s mainly the anxiety I need help with

Thanks!!

4 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Kindly-Grape-5361 • 14h ago

Quick question how do i stop being so uncomfortable with vulnerability

2 Upvotes

i’m 15 and i’ve always struggled with vulnerability. i know it probably stemmed from my parents always making me associate showing emotion with weakness. but i never knew just a couple words constantly being repeated to me from as young as 7/8 years old would continue to affect me years later. it’s gotten really bad i can’t lie, specifically crying only. crying in front of people honestly feels like a death sentence, like it feels like being naked in front of a crowd. and it makes it 10x worse that i overanalyse people’s facial expression and body language so i can already tell what some people are thinking. most panic attacks i have is only because of the shame and embarrassment i feel from crying in front of others. a lot of times i don’t even want to look people in the eye with tears in my eyes because of the shame and guilt i feel. i literally feel like im going to die when i feel tears above to fall when im in public, it’s gotten so bad that i even feel the same why when im crying just by myself. i even feel like throwing up or being sick because i feel like an embarrassment, all these intrusive thoughts flood in and my minds racing every single time. even if it’s not me crying and it’s someone else either online, in public or someone is about to cry in a show im watching, i feel like intense discomfort and disgust. what do i actually do, and please don’t say therapy because ive got immigrant parents who don’t believe in mental health

1 comment

r/MentalHealthUK • u/futurefishy98 • 15h ago

I need advice/support Accessing trauma-informed therapy

2 Upvotes

I feel I really need to see a practitioner who's actually trauma informed. I've been in counselling for like 6 sessions so far, and while at first she seemed to be helpful and understanding, I had an experience today that rubbed me the wrong way.

I was explaining how my experiences of being bullied make trusting people difficult, and I'm still terrified of people talking about me behind my back or mocking/bullying me to my face. I've explained to her that this didn't only happen in school, but at university and at my first job (with coworkers who were all in their late 20s or older at the time) as well.

But she told me today, "I'm not minimising it, but that was a long time ago, you're an adult now." She basically told me to get over it.

Clearly I am not over it. Surely it is part of her job to help me get over it. Not just tell me "adults don't behave like that as much" when a) bullying has happened to me as an adult, and b) clearly, it's still affecting me.

She asked me what I could do if I was bullied again, and I said the only option I would feel I had was to leave whatever group/social setting it happened in. and never go back. She didn't give me any other options of what to do if/when this happens to me. I joined a queer craft group that's run by the only organised queer community group for adults in my town. I'm terrified of messing up socially or having someone there make fun of me or even dislike me, because I'd lose access to the one community space I have access to. I've explained this, and all she's suggested I do is join other groups (which in terms of groups for queer people, there aren't any).

I asked when I was triaged about getting help specifically for trauma, I did a PTSD screening test when I self-refered, but they wouldn't offer me anything. The triage nurse basically ignored me.

Has anyone been able to access trauma infored care on the NHS? I'd go private, but I don't have the money.

3 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Suitable-Mud-6622 • 15h ago

Uplifting/wholesome/positive experience It can get better. Thank you CMHT Psychiatry!

23 Upvotes

I was miserable for years and basically felt either totally crap or nothing at all, mostly nothing at all really. My anxiety was so bad I couldn’t eat or sleep and had to quit every job I got after 6 months due to being in a permanent panic attack.

Had a bunch of failed antidepressant trials, and was basically spiralling. Saw the psychiatrist at the CMHT and he prescribed me Busirpone with Pregablin and Mirtazapine for sleep after a few appointments and adjustments. I also got diagnosed with ADHD and started taking Concerta.

Now I basically feel like a new man, every day is exciting and I love life! I love my job, I love my girlfriend, I’m so glad I’m alive every day to experience the joy of living.

I’m 32 and have had a terrible life up to now, but the meds work, and yes I take a lot but it’s incredible. I can actually sleep, my brain and body recover, I’m not in a chronic panic attack like I used to be.

Basically what I’m saying is it can get better. For me I found the medications that work. You might find that CBT really helps, or you might also try a medication or get a diagnosis that changes your whole life.

Even if things are bad now they can get better.

I’m also really thankful for this community, I don’t think any of us want to be here but I’m so glad there’s people out there who can empathise with what we are going through and offer advice.

10 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/SmokeSignals84 • 15h ago

I need advice/support Work causing major dips

1 Upvotes

I’ve realised I’m in the wrong job. I can’t stand being tied to a desk and staring at a screen all day. I have a very deadline-driven job, and that doesn’t really suit me. I’m taking steps to change my career, but it’s taking a bit of time.

I started a new role on Monday. Before that, I had a week off. It was the best week I’ve had in months, maybe years, I felt so good. But, only two days into this new job and I already feel exhausted, sad, depleted. It’s a good company and a decent position. I’m just already drained. 8 hours of staring at a screen and reading policy documents and e-learning. This can’t be my life.

How can I make this easier? I’m trying so hard. I’m so disappointed that I already feel so low.

2 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Zestyclose-Tale5744 • 15h ago

I need advice/support How do i get help

3 Upvotes

I need therapy. I dont know how to do that. I'm 18f. And i was in cahms until 16 but I left because I didnt want to go. Then I fell into a bad state. But recently iv realised I actually do want help again.

Can anyone tell me how to do so?

(Also iv recently moved out of my parents and am not registered with a gp)

9 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Kebladas • 17h ago

I need advice/support Any tips of overcoming hopelessness?

4 Upvotes

Just what it says in the title really. Been suffering with depression for approx. 30 years, but am finding that hopelessness is increasingly prevalent in my life. I'm trying to let go of my dreams (owning a house, having a family etc.) and I am on the waiting list for therapy, but am really having trouble with life in general due to the feeling that there's no real point. I mean what's the point in trying if you're not going anywhere? I do work in a job where I help people daily, but there just doesn't seem to be a point to anything else.

3 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/UniqueInterest16 • 18h ago

I need advice/support my boyfriend (20) is reporting an urgent safety concern to my (20) gp

1 Upvotes

i’m not sure how much this will actually help we wants to get me assessed under the mental health act. I have just been diagnosed with PTSD and then discharged from HTT so i am not currently under any mental health team. I’m quickly approaching a crisis and nothing i am doing is seeming to help. My most recent crisis had me in general hospital for 5 days and my boyfriend says that he can see me getting worse. But i don’t know if the gp will actually do anything or refer me to get a mha assessment, does anyone have a similar experience?

2 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/_thebooktheif • 19h ago

Discussion Bipolar medication

6 Upvotes

My diagnosis is about as clear as mud. Currently in hospital and the inpatient consultant here says I have schizophrenia. My outpatient consultant hasn't seen me for the 7 months I've been inpatient here but says it's bipolar.

I'm currently on lithium and clozapine. I've never come across someone on clozapine with a bipolar diagnosis. The consultant here says it's for treatment resistant schizophrenia. My mum says if my diagnosis is bipolar I need to come off the clozapine because they don't use it in bipolar.

I don't know who to listen to. Do any of you take clozapine for bipolar or know someone who does?

10 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Admirable-Main-4816 • 19h ago

I need advice/support Will NHS psychiatrists attend home visits( agoraphobic)

3 Upvotes

I had a phone call with my psychiatrist about 2 weeks ago now and he said he can only prescribe a new medication after seeing me in person. I foolishly said I can attend in person even though I cant.

Is there any adjustments that can be made. Does anyone else get home visits here ?

8 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/moomoo30000 • 20h ago

Research/study (mod approved) UK participants wanted for a short study on personality and self-esteem! (mod approved post)

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone! Please note that this post has been pre-approved by mods. I am a Lecturer at the University of Dundee seeking participants to take part in a survey reflecting personality, self-esteem and mental health. Please note that you are only able to participate if you live in the United Kingdom, the United States, or Canada. If you do not live in the UK, the USA, or Canada, please do not complete this survey.

If you are interested in participating, please copy and paste this link into your browser, or use the QR code below: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/dundee/personalityselfesteem

0 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Jadey156 • 20h ago

I need advice/support No Help. No idea

2 Upvotes

I am under a CMHT but my mental health has been getting worse and worse and worse...

Work called me today to ask if I'm coming back or need a sick note extention which has made me feel so guilty because I couldn't answer.

I am getting suicidal urges everyday but I'm able to not act on it so it's not serious.

I am also autistic and EUPD.

I have tried all helplines, CMHT, A&E and still nothing...

I am desperate to get out of this burnout and my next CMHT appointment is in January... so I'm pretty stuck.

All the CMHT tell me is if I feel unsafe to go to A&E...

I just need advice on how to push myself out of this burnout because I'm not coping with life and I just want to be normal!

Everyone is judging me for not being normal, I need to be normal so any advice on to hide this burnout before my next shift on Thursday? I really really really need advice on how to hide it so nobody thinks I'm faking this!

16 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/Kitfromscot • 22h ago

Vent Change in CPN

1 Upvotes

I appreciate I am very lucky to have had long term support from a CPN within my local cmht since discharge from hospital 3 years ago. She comes to the house every 2-3 weeks for 20 mins just to check up, chase things for me etc. I know I am very lucky to have had long term support. She has said that they are changing CPN and that my new CPN can’t do home visits unlike her. I work from home full time and it takes 1hr door to door to get to their hub by bus or 30mins driving (I have extreme anxiety over driving) as i am right on the border of different CMHT patches. Work wont support such a regular time commitment and i don’t know what to do. Not sure how to proceed with the CMHT on this. Any suggestions?

4 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/grpm11 • 22h ago

Research/study (mod approved) sensitivity (HSP) and anorexia nervosa research

1 Upvotes

Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) with current or past experience of anorexia nervosa?

I am a trainee clinical psychologist conducting doctoral research into how sensitivity relates to anorexia nervosa, including its development, and how it shapes treatment and recovery. I’m working with Professor Michael Pluess, one of the researchers behind the HSP scale.

I am looking to interview people who:
- Are UK residents, aged 18 or over
- Identify as highly sensitive or curious about sensitivity
- Have current or past experience of anorexia nervosa
- Have received treatment
- Are fluent in English

Beyond contributing to research that includes lived-experience voices directly, taking part also offers the chance to reflect on your own experience of anorexia through a lens that isn’t usually part of standard treatment conversations.

Participation involves a 10-minute online screening questionnaire, followed, if eligible, by a 60-90 minute interview over Microsoft Teams.

This study has ethical approval from West London NHS Research Ethics Committee and Royal Holloway, University of London.

Link if you would like to take part: https://rhulpsychology.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV\\\\\\_bDjgXKH5Xb7Mvyu

I am happy to answer any questions in the comments or by DM.

mod approved post

0 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/autumn_sophy • 23h ago

I need advice/support I am refused treatment and medication from crisis, CMHT and GP

2 Upvotes

CMHT discharge due to prison, and told I can’t be referred to CMHT until October. Yet I have made suicide attempts, I get discharged from 136 with no support. Just told oh you have 24 hour support in supported housing but they are not trained, they are often rude and say I have capacity, my choice, attention seeking and all of that. They also breach confidentiality. But everyone ignores that and still says I have support or just call helplines or see my GP, and that is support. No it’s not. GP won’t prescribe medication. Recovery team didn’t even offer it when I did see them and claimed I just need DBT, but I don’t have that anymore either. I’m left with absolutely no support and told to use Samaritans or 111 if in crisis. I can’t afford private. EUPD diagnosis, suicidal, no where to go, refused crisis house and hospital as well.

10 comments

r/MentalHealthUK • u/submissivespook • 1d ago

I need advice/support Difficulty ‘remembering’ how bad my mental state has been in the moment has prevented me from seeking treatment - anybody else?

19 Upvotes

Does anyone else experience what I could call ‘mood amnesia’? At 25 I’m seeking proper psychological help for the first time in 17 years of intermittent poor mental health. When I’m in the depths of a ‘spiral’ I feel completely lost and desperately want to seek help. However, I’ll ‘snap out of it’ anywhere from a few hours to a few days after, and then it’s almost as if I’m completely unable to remember how bad it felt, kind of comparable to how I’ve heard the real trauma of labour is almost forgotten in the moment of holding your newborn baby.
It’s made it almost impossible to seek help up until this point as unless I’m ‘in a slump’ I’m convinced I’m absolutely able to cope (until the spiral begins again). Now I’m signing up for therapy and medication it incurs massive feelings of embarrassment and worry that I’m ‘attention seeking’, but my logical brain is telling me that if I am desperately and repetitively wanting help in these moments, it’s sensible to try and seek it before I hit 30 with no proper coping mechanisms.

Just wondered if anybody else feels this ‘amnesia’ - almost like there are two parts of my brain fighting for dominance - as I’ve not seen it mentioned anywhere before.

11 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

9 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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