Sometimes you might feel like there’s nowhere to turn. But there are numerous mental health support services in the UK that you can reach out to. Asking for help is difficult, but there are plenty of places to find the assistance you need.
Even though it might seem hopeless, and that even if you do reach out, nothing will change, give it a chance. You don’t need to struggle alone. Despite what your mind might be telling you, there is hope. And that hope isn’t limited to just psychologists and psychiatrists. It can come in the form of physiotherapists, chiropractors, or even alternative healers.
Whether you’ve been struggling for a while, or something has happened and your anxiety is back, it might be time to get help.
Reach out. You won’t regret it.
Mental Health Crisis Lines, Helplines and Hotlines
If you need immediate support, several 24 hour helplines and hotlines are available to offer guidance, crisis intervention, and emotional support. If you’re struggling, pick up the phone.
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- Mind Infoline: Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
- NHS 111: For non-emergency medical advice
- Lifeline (N. Ireland): 0808 808 8000 / www.lifelinehelpline.info
- Get Connected: 0808 808 4994 / text 80849 / www.getconnected.org.uk (confidential helpline for young people under twenty-five)
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide: 0300 111 5065 / www.uk-sobs.org.uk / sobs.support@hotmail.com (helpline for people over the age of eighteen)
- Papyrus HOPELineUK: 0800 068 4141 / text 07786 209 697 / www.papyrus-uk.org
- SupportLine: 0170 876 5200 / www.supportline.org.uk / info@supportline.org.uk
- Bullying UK: 0808 800 2222 / www.bullying.co.uk
- ChildLine: 0800 1111 / www.childline.org.uk
- NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children): 0808 800 5000 / www.nspcc.org.uk / help@nspec.org.uk
- C.A.L.L.: Mental Health Helpline in Wales 0800 58 58 58/ https://www.callhelpline.org.uk/
Online Mental Health Resources
The digital era has opened up a whole new avenue for us to find help. From online resources to online chats, these services are accessible from anywhere in the UK.
- NHS Every Mind Matters: Offers practical tips and resources to improve mental well-being. Visit their website for more.
- Mind: Provides a variety of information and resources on mental health topics. 0300 123 3393 / text 86463 / www.mind.org.uk / info@mind.org.uk
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Supports men’s mental health and offers resources for managing stress and anxiety. (0808 802 5858 – London)
- Minding Your Head (N. Ireland): mindingyourhead.info (information on mental and emotional wellbeing)
- Kidscape: kidscape.org.uk
- Stomp Out Bullying: www.stompoutbullying.org
- The Mix: UK’s leading support service for young people 0808 808 4994/ https://www.themix.org.uk/
Local NHS Mental Health Services
The National Health Service (NHS) provides mental health services across the UK. You can access NHS services through your GP, which may include counseling, therapy, and specialist mental health teams.
Charities for Mental Health
Numerous charities in the UK are dedicated to mental health support:
- YoungMinds: Focuses on young people’s mental health, offering resources for children, parents, and professionals. 0808 802 5544 / www.youngminds.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness: Provides information, support, and advocacy for people affected by mental illness. https://www.rethink.org/
- Mental Health Foundation: Offers information and resources to promote good mental health. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
- Manchester Mind: Independent local mental health charity 0300 123 3393/ https://www.manchestermind.org/
Local Mental Health Support Groups
Many communities in the UK have local mental health support groups, workshops, and meetups. These groups provide safe spaces for individuals to connect, share experiences, and learn coping strategies.
Anxiety support groups are an awesome way to connect with people who are experiencing similar things to you.
Student Mental Health Resources
For students, universities and colleges typically offer counseling services and mental health support through their mental health student centers. These resources include individual counseling, group therapy, workshops, and mental health awareness campaigns.
Private Therapists and Psychologists
Numerous private therapists and psychologists offer a range of therapies and counseling for mental health. You can find registered professionals through directories such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Teletherapy Platforms
Teletherapy has become an increasingly popular mental health support service in the UK, offering online access to mental health care and support:
- BetterHelp: Provides access to licensed therapists for online counseling. https://www.betterhelp.com/uk/
- MindBeacon: Offers digital mental health therapy programs. https://www.mindbeacon.com/uk
Asking for Help
If you’re in a bad space, asking for help can seem impossible. The words “I need help” are notoriously hard to say. But if you don’t reach out, things will never get any better. In fact, they’ll probably get worse.
Over the years, I’ve had help from so many different people, from Occupation Therapists to Psychiatrists. If going to a psychiatrist feels like too big of a step, head to your local General Practitioner.
It’s also okay if you don’t feel capable of getting help. There are people who love you and will gladly get you the assistance you need.
The world is a better place with you in it. Don’t ever forget that.
There is so much more out there for you than the feelings holding you back.
Additional Mental Health Support Resources
If you aren’t in the UK, we also have mental health guides for other countries:
Kathryn is the creator of Art of Anxiety. She was diagnosed with GAD and MDD at 16 and has been working every day to master the art of anxiety ever since. Her favorite things to do are aerial yoga and hanging out with her cats while reading a good book.
