Shine A Light: Helplines for mental health conditions
Use our helplines below to access help and support.
Mental Health and Depression:
NHS Choices – Mental HealthMental Health SupportImproving Access to Psychological TherapiesStress, Anxiety & DepressionMental Health Helplines10 ways to fight your fearsComprehensive help and information from NHS Choices with links to external help and support
Royal College of PsychiatristsMental HealthDepressionThis leaflet is for anyone who is, or has been depressed. We hope it will also be helpful for friends and relatives. It describes what depression feels like, some of the help that is available, how you can help yourself and how to help someone else who is depressed. It also mentions some of the things we don't know about depression. At the end of the leaflet there is a list of other places where you can get further information.
The Mental Health Foundationwww.mentalhealth.org.ukVisiting your GPDepression leafletWe believe it is important to involve the people who use mental health services and their carers in our work. We want to support them to have their say on the way that services are run, as well as to use their experiences to inform our thinking.
RETHINKHelpline: 0300 5000 927www.rethink.orgWorking together to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life.
Time to Changewww.time-to-change.org.ukTime to Change is England's most ambitious programme to end discrimination faced by people who experience mental health problems. Our vision is to make lives better for everyone by ending mental health discrimination and to inspire people to work together to end the discrimination surrounding mental health.
MindMind Infoline: 0300 123 3393www.mind.org.ukDepression & Anxiety leafletThe Mind InfoLine offers thousands of callers confidential help on a range of mental health issues. Mind helps people take control of their mental health. We do this by providing high-quality information and advice, and campaigning to promote and protect good mental health for everyone. They also provide a special legal service to the public, lawyers and mental health workers.
Bi-Polar UKTel: 0333 323 3880www.bipolaruk.org.ukBiPolar UK is a user led charity working to enable people affected by Bipolar disorder / manic depression to take control of their lives.
Saneline0300 304 7000www.sane.org.ukSANEline is a national out-of-hours telephone helpline offering emotional support and information for people affected by mental health problems.
Moodjuicehttp://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/depression.aspThe site is designed to offer information, advice to those experiencing troublesome thoughts, feelings and actions. From the site you are able to print off various self-help guides covering conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, panic and sleep problems.
Be Mindfulwww.bemindful.co.ukMindfulness is a mind-body approach to well-being that can help you change the way you think about experiences and reduce stress and anxiety. Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using techniques like meditation, breathing and yoga. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that instead of being overwhelmed by them, we’re better able to manage them. Practising mindfulness can give people more insight into their emotions, boost their attention and concentration and improve relationships. It’s proven to help with stress, anxiety, depression and addictive behaviours, and can even have a positive effect on physical problems like hypertension, heart disease and chronic pain.
ChildLineHelpline: 0800 11 11www.childline.org.ukChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people. You can contact ChildLine in these ways: You can phone on 0800 1111, send us an email, have a 1-2-1 chat with us, send a message to Ask Sam and you can post messages to the ChildLine message boards. You can contact ChildLine about anything - no problem is too big or too small. If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can contact ChildLine.
Young MindsHelpline: 0808 802 5544www.youngminds.org.uk Parents' Information Service gives advice to parents or carers who may be concerned about the mental health or emotional well being of a child or young person.
Kooth.comwww.kooth.comKooth.com is an online counselling service that provides vulnerable young people, between the ages of 11 and 25, with advice and support for emotional or mental health problems. Kooth.com offers users a free, confidential, safe and anonymous way to access help.
The MixHelpline: 0808 808 4994www.themix.org.ukDepressionMental HealthLife’s tough, we know that. It can throw a lot your way and make it hard to know what the hell to do with it all. So, welcome to The Mix. Whether you’re 13, 25, or any age in between, we’re here to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts you have. We give you the information and support you need to deal with it all. Because you can. Because you’re awesome. We’ll 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. We’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 our articles and video content online or our phone, email, peer to peer and counselling services – we put the control in your hands. You can even volunteer with us too.
PapyrusHOPELINEUK – 0800 068 4141www.papyrus-uk.orgI’m worried about someoneSupport for anyone under 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Students Against Depressionwww.studentdepression.org Developed in consultation with students who have been affected by depression, low mood or suicidal thoughts. Many of their stories and suggestions are included on the site.
Campaign Against Living MiserablyHelpline: 0800 58 58 58www.thecalmzone.net The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) works to prevent male suicide and offers support services for any man who is struggling or in crisis. CALM’s helpline 0800 58 58 58 and web-chat are for men in the UK who need to talk or find information and support. The services are open 5pm–midnight daily and are free, anonymous and confidential. For access or to find more information visit thecalmzone.net
Depression UKwww.depressionuk.orgThe mission of Depression UK is to promote mutual support between individuals affected by or at risk from depression, with the aim of encouraging self help, recovery and personal growth. We believe our members are helped when they share their problems with fellow sufferers, because they understand, better than any non-depressed professional or carer can ever do, what it really feels like to suffer from depression. These members can then share their thoughts, feelings, hopes, disappointments and successes, and in so doing offer mutual support to each other.
OvercomeDepression.co.uk www.overcomedepression.co.ukOffers a unique and clear reference point on depression help and advice from experts in the field.
Samaritans Tel: 116 123 (Free)www.samaritans.orgWhatever you're going through, we're here to help 24 hours a day. We won't judge you and we won't share what you tell us with anyone else. Get in touch by telephone, email, letter and face to face in the UK andIreland. Visit befrienders.org if you live outside the UK or Ireland.
Trauma and PTSD:
Royal College of PsychiatristsHow to cope after a traumaPTSD LeafletThis leaflet is for anyone who has been through a harrowing experience, who has been abused or tortured, or who knows someone to whom this has happened.
NHS Choices - PTSDhttp://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/pages/introduction.aspxComprehensive help and information from NHS Choices with links to external websites.
MINDInfoline: 0300 123 3393Post Traumatic StressWe provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Moodjuice – PTSDhttp://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/posttrauma.aspThis guide will help you to find ways to understand, manage or overcome your post-traumatic stress.
David Baldwin’s Trauma Information Pageshttp://www.trauma-pages.com/trauma.phpThis page briefly summarizes some of what we know about traumatic symptoms and responses, and includes links describing PTSD symptoms and coping strategies. Other links lead to more research-oriented issues, such as measuring treatment efficacy, etc. Succeeding pages at this site provide additional links to more detailed references, online articles, and web resources helpful in understanding trauma responses and treatment.
UK Psychological Trauma Societywww.ukpts.co.ukTrauma ServicesProvides information on trauma and on the various traumatic stress reactions, including PTSD with links to a selection of materials which helpful information for the general public and for health professionals about Post Traumatic Stress Reactions. See link for comprehensive list of UK trauma services.
Assist Trauma CareHelpline: 01788 560 800www.assisttraumacare.org.ukASSIST Trauma Care employ experienced therapists trained to work with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) and the after-effects of trauma in line with current evidence-based practices.
Combat Stress24 hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619www.combatstress.org.ukWhat is PTSD?Combat Stress is the UK's leading military charity specialising in the care of Veterans' mental health. We look after men and women who are suffering from a psychological condition related to their Service career. This might be depression, anxiety, a phobia or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Our services are free of charge to the Veteran. Also offer support to partners and families of veterans. Offers a 24-hour Helpline service for the military community and their families who are seeking help and advice for mental health issues.
PTSD UKwww.ptsd.org.ukThe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Web Site for ex-Service men and women who think they are suffering from PTSD.
Help for Heroeswww.helpforheroes.org.ukComprehensive Link to Service CharitiesHelp for Heroes raises money to support members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country. We ask our supporters to “do their bit” to show these extraordinary young men and women that they are cared for by us.
SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help)Forces Line: 0800 731 4880 (The Forces Line is completely independent of the military chain of command and our service is totally confidential.)www.ssafa.org.ukSSAFA Forces Help has been serving the Armed Forces and their families for well over a 100 years and their work is as vital today as it has ever been. Continually evolving support services are driven by the current needs of the Service community. They are particularly relevant in today's high pressure military environment. SSAFA’s services reflect the financial, practical and emotional issues people face today and they are freely available to virtually everybody with a Service connection.
The Royal British LegionHelpline: 0808 802 8080www.britishlegion.org.ukThe Royal British Legion safeguards the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces. We help serving and ex-Service personnel and their families. Not just those who fought in the two World Wars, but also those involved in the many conflicts since 1945 and those still fighting today.
The Ripple PondTelephone: 07586 576889 or 07825 296712 or 01252 913021www.theripplepond.orgSelf-help support network for the adult family members of physically or emotionally injured Service Personnel and Veterans. We empower each member to seek support when they need it most, in ways that are helpful for them – whether that is via group meetings, ‘buddies’ or via a private Facebook page. Many members are facing similar situations and The Ripple Pond gives them a safe space, both physically and mentally, to deal with them. Whether your loved one is currently serving full time, as a reservist or a veteran, we will show you a warm welcome and support you through your challenges.
PTSD 999Tel: 01223 755130www.ptsd999.org.ukProviding support and understand to any member of the emergency services and their family. Helping to remove stigma and embarrassment, deliver timely support based on respect, kindness and collaboration that serves not only the individual but, where needed, the whole family.