You Don’t Have to Do Anything Alone.
Sometimes all we need is a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes it’s the patience and empathy of another. Sometimes it’s an ear to listen. Sometimes it’s a hand to hold. Whatever it is you need, there’s no shame in asking for help or needing the support of others. At times we will need help for ourselves but there may also come a time when we need to know how to best support others.
Whether you just want to learn more, need a point of reference or a place to turn to, check out a few options below for immediate and long term support.
TEXT HELP, START OR HELLO TO 85258
Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line® in the UK that provides free, confidential support, 24/7 via text. It’s the first free 24/7 texting service in the UK for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere via the medium people already use and trust, text message.
The Crisis Volunteer is a trained volunteer, not a professional. They can provide support, but not medical advice.
CALL SAMARITANS ON 116 123
People contact the Samaritans with a variety of concerns and what might be a small issue to you may be huge to someone else.
You could be going through something new or have been struggling to cope for some time, either way, they’re there if you feel you need some extra support.
Call the Samaritans or 999 immediately if you feel you or someone else is in danger/suicidal.
UNDER 25’S CALL 0808 808 4994
The Mix will connect you to experts and your peers who’ll give you the support and tools you need to take on any challenge you’re facing – for everything from homelessness to finding a job, from money to mental health, from break-ups to drugs.
They’re a free and confidential multi-channel service. That means that you choose how you access our support, without the worry of anyone else finding out.
Whether it be through articles and video content online or our phone, email, peer to peer and counselling services – they put the control in your hands.
NON URGENT INFO LINE AND SIGNPOSTING
Mind Charity provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
They won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.
Contact them to find out about the on-going support available to you in your area.
HEAR THE STORIES OF OTHERS, FIND WAYS YOU CAN GET HELP AND GET INVOLVED
In over 60 communities SAMH work with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others. These services together with their national programme work in See Me, respect me, suicide prevention and active living; inform their policy and campaign work to influence positive social change.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS.
Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviours are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn't always easy.
There's no easy way that you can let someone know if there is mental illness or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviours of a person or the result of a physical illness.
Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include the following:
1. Feeling anxious or worried
We all get worried or stressed from time to time. But anxiety could be the sign of a mental health issue if it’s constant and interferes all the time. Other symptoms of anxiety may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headache, restlessness, diarrhoea or a racing mind.
2. Feeling depressed or unhappy
Have you noticed that your friend has lost interest in a hobby you used to share? If they've also seemed sad or irritable for the last few weeks or more, lacking in motivation and energy or are teary all the time, they might be dealing with depression.
3. Emotional outbursts
Everyone has different moods, but sudden and dramatic changes in mood, such as extreme distress or anger, can be a symptom of mental illness.
4. Sleep problems
Generally, we need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Persisting changes to a person’s sleep patterns could be a symptom of a mental illness. For example insomnia could be a sign of anxiety or substance abuse. Sleeping too much or too little could indicate depression or an sleeping disorder.
5. Weight or appetite changes
Many of us want to lose a few kilos, but for some people fluctuating weight or rapid weight loss could be one of the warning signs of a mental illness, such as depression or an eating disorder. Other mental health issues can impact appetite and weight too.
6. Quiet or withdrawn
We all need quiet time occasionally, but withdrawing from life, especially if this is a major change, could indicate a mental health issue. If a friend or loved one is regularly isolating themselves, they may have depression, bipolar, a psychotic disorder, or another mental health issue. Refusing to join in social activities may be a sign they need help.
7. Substance abuse
Are you worried a loved one is drinking too much? Using substances, such as alcohol or drugs, to cope can be a sign of, and a contributor to, mental health issues.
8. Feeling guilty or worthless
Thoughts like ‘I’m a failure’, ‘It’s my fault’ or ‘I’m worthless’ are all possible signs of a mental health issue, such as depression. Your friend or loved one may need help if they’re frequently criticising or blaming themselves. When severe, a person may express a feeling to hurt or kill themselves. This feeling could mean the person is suicidal and urgent help is needed. Call 999 for an ambulance immediately.
9. Changes in behaviour or feelings
A mental illness may start out as subtle changes to a person’s feelings, thinking and behaviour. Ongoing and significant changes could be a sign that they have or are developing a mental health issue. If something doesn’t seem ‘quite right’, it’s important to start the conversation about getting help. Changes is sex drive and sexual activity could also be a result of mental distress.