As many as one in four people will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their lives, whether that’s stress, depression, anxiety or other conditions.
If you are experiencing mental health problems it is important to know that you are not alone and there is plenty of help out there to improve your mental well-being. The first place to get help is your GP. They are best placed to offer you initial advice on how to deal with your symptoms and talk to you about available treatments and support services in your area.
Types of support
- Talking therapies
Anyone can ask their GP for talking therapy. Exactly what kind of therapy you will be referred to will depend on the specific problem. Visit the NHS Choices guide to talking therapies for more information.
- Medicines
If you and your GP agree that you would benefit from medication, there are various options that can help with conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, mania and other mental health problems.
- Specialist care
More serious mental health problems such as manic depression and schizophrenia require specialist care, and you will be referred to a psychiatrist at the local hospital and/or the local community mental health team. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, talking therapies and 24-hour support if necessary, which may take place at home or in hospital. Specialists can refer you to employment and training schemes that support mental health needs at the same time as providing work and education. They can also offer help in the community through crisis resolution teams, who you can call in an emergency.
- Emergencies
In an emergency, if your GP surgery is closed, go to a hospital’s A&E desk and ask to see the psychiatrist on duty. You can also call NHS Direct 24 hours a day, on 0845 4647.
Visit the NHS choices website for more information about mental health.