How Do You Know If You Might Need Mental Health Support?
There are several feelings and symptoms to indicate you could be suffering from mental health issues and need mental health Support. These are listed on the NHS website and include feelings of stress, anxiety, fear and panic. Feelings of loneliness or even being angry can be symptoms as well.
What To Do If You Are Feeling Symptoms?
Talk to Someone
If you feel you’re struggling and need some mental health support, firstly, well done for recognising the symptoms and for exploring options of help.
More often than not, help is closer than you think. Try talking to someone you trust and who you would feel comfortable with to open up about what’s going on in your life. Many people choose to speak to a friend, family member or colleague but whoever you choose, make sure you are comfortable with them.
It might seem daunting at first to share your problems, but be assured that anyone who cares about you will want to help in anyway they can. Remember that they can’t help, if they don’t know what’s going on.
Self Referral For Mental Health Support
If you’d rather talk to someone you don’t know, or you feel you need some professional help, you can use self-referral to access talking therapies through a service called Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). See the NHS psychological therapies service website which provides many options for Mental Health Support.
Speak To Your GP About Mental Health Support
An alternative to self referral is to speak to your GP who can discuss all of the options available to you and help you decide which best suits you. This could include referral to a therapist, psychiatrist and in some cases, medication.
Self-help
On the NHS website is a wealth of tips, guides and tools to help support and improve your mental health. These include tips for improving your mood, finding support groups and offering coping mechanisms for situations that affect mental health.
Self Care
In our ever busy lives, we often just run out of time for ourselves. It is important to put yourself first in periods you are suffering with your mental health by making time for the things that matter most to you.
Taking part in exercise can provide a huge mental boost. Try taking a walk if going to the gym or taking part in an exercise class isn’t your thing. It actually doesn’t matter what exercise you do however being active and enjoying movement can help tremendously.
You might prefer to listen to some music or to read a book – anything that you enjoy will help.
You might like to try something new if you don’t already have a hobby. Maybe ask the friend/family member/colleague you confided in at the beginning to join you for some moral support.
If you feel like you are suffering and want mental health support and help. There is no need to suffer in silence. You aren’t alone.
For more help with your mental health visit the NHS website here.
If you need you need urgent help, take a look at different options provided by the NHS here.
