Accessing Mental Health Support Resources in the UK

What is the NHS Mental Health Service?

The NHS Mental Health Service helps people who feel bad or worried in their minds. It is there to support people who feel sad, scared, or upset.

People at the NHS Mental Health Service talk to you and help you feel better. They can also give you medicine if you need it.

If you feel very sad or worried, you can talk to an adult you trust. They can help you contact the NHS Mental Health Service.

You can use some tools to help. For example, you can write down your feelings, or draw pictures. Talking to someone about how you feel also helps a lot.

How can I get mental health help from the NHS?

If you feel sad, worried, or upset a lot, you might need some help. The NHS can give you this help. Here is how you can get it:

1. Talk to your doctor: You can visit your family doctor (GP). Tell them how you feel. They can help you find the right help.
2. Use online services: There are websites where you can get help. You can use a computer or phone to find them. Ask someone you trust to help you search.
3. Call a helpline: There are phone numbers you can call if you feel you need to talk to someone. They can listen to you and tell you what to do next.

These steps can help you feel better. It's okay to ask for help. Remember, there are people who want to help you.

Can you get free mental health help from the NHS?

What mental health help can you get from the NHS?

The NHS in the UK has different ways to help people who feel sad, worried, or stressed. Here are some of the ways they can support you:

• Talking to Someone: You can talk to a doctor, nurse, or counselor about how you feel. This is called therapy or counseling.
• Medication: Sometimes, doctors give medicine to help you feel better.
• Helplines: You can call a special phone number to talk to someone who can help you.
• Online Support: There are websites and apps that can help you learn about your feelings and how to manage them.
• Support Groups: You can join a group where people meet to talk about their feelings and support each other.

If you find reading hard, asking someone to explain things or using audiobooks can help. Drawing or writing about how you feel can also be useful.

What is IAPT?

IAPT stands for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies.

It helps people feel better by talking about their feelings.

You can talk to a therapist if you feel sad or worried.

They listen and help you find ways to feel better.

It is for everyone who needs support.

You can use tools like simple books, drawing, or apps to help express feelings.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help!

How do I ask to use IAPT services?

IAPT can help you if you feel sad, worried, or stressed. You can ask for help yourself. This is called 'self-referral'. Here is how:

1. Visit the IAPT website. You can do this on a phone, tablet, or computer.
2. Look for a button or link that says 'self-referral' or 'refer yourself'.
3. Click on it and follow the steps. They will ask you questions to see how they can help.
4. If you need help filling out the form, you can ask a friend, family member, or carer to help you.

If you find reading hard, ask someone to read this with you. You can also use a tool that reads text out loud on your device.

How long until I see someone from NHS mental health services?

Are you wondering how long you will wait to talk to someone about your mental health? Here is a simple explanation:

1. **Referral:** First, a doctor or nurse needs to send a request for you to see a mental health expert. This is called a "referral."

2. **Waiting Time:** After your referral, the waiting time can be different. It depends on where you live and the help you need.

3. **Check Ups:** The NHS might check in with you to tell you how long you have left to wait.

4. **Helping Tools:** While you wait, try talking to someone you trust, or try using an app like *Headspace* or *Calm* to help you relax.

5. **Stay Positive:** Remember, you are not alone! Help is coming, so hang in there!

Can I get help for mental health outside the NHS?

Yes, you can find help for your mental health outside the NHS. Here are some ways:

• Charities: There are groups that help people for free. Try calling Mind or Samaritans.
• Support Groups: Join groups where people talk and help each other. Check online or in your community.
• Private Therapists: You can pay to see a therapist. Use websites to find one near you. Make sure they are qualified.
• Apps: There are apps to help you relax or feel better. Ask an adult to help you choose one.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Talk to someone you trust if you need support.

What to do if you feel very upset or scared?

If you feel very upset, sad, or scared, there are ways to get help.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Talk to someone you trust, like a family member or a friend.
• You can call a helpline to speak to someone who knows how to help.
• Breathe slowly and try to relax. This can help you feel a little bit better.
• You can write down your feelings or draw a picture to help express how you feel.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. People care about you and want to help you feel better.

Can I call someone for help with my feelings in the UK?

If you feel sad, worried, or upset, there are people you can talk to in the UK. You can call special phone numbers for help. These people will listen to you and try to help you feel better.

It can be nice to talk to someone when you have big feelings. You can ask a parent or a friend for help calling if you need to.

Here is a good idea: Write down a list of phone numbers that can help you. Keep this list in a safe place.

Can I get help for my feelings online in the UK?

Yes, you can get help for your feelings online if you live in the UK. Here is how:

• Use websites that help with feelings, like Mind or Samaritans.
• Try talking to someone using a video call or chat on your computer or phone.
• Ask a grown-up you trust for help to find these websites.

These websites have people who care and want to help you feel better.

What is CAMHS?

CAMHS helps children and young people who have problems with how they feel or think. It is a special service that supports mental health. If you are feeling sad, worried, or having trouble at school or home, CAMHS can help you. Talking to people at CAMHS can make you feel better.

Sometimes using pictures, drawing, or making a feelings chart can help you talk about your feelings. You can also ask an adult you trust to help you explain how you feel.

How can I help a friend or family member who has mental health problems?

You can help by being kind and listening to them. Here are some ways:

• Listen: Let them talk about how they feel. Do not interrupt. Just listen.
• Be kind: Show them you care. Say things like "I am here for you" or "You are not alone."
• Ask what they need: Ask them if there is something they need help with.
• Learn about mental health: Read or watch videos to understand more about mental health.
• Encourage them: Help them think about talking to a doctor or counselor if they are ready.

Sometimes, talking to someone helps a lot. You can also support them by doing things together, like going for a walk.

If you need advice about how to help, you can call a mental health line or talk to a counselor.

What are Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs)?

A Community Mental Health Team is a group of people who help people feel better. They work together to support your mental health. CMHTs can have doctors, nurses, social workers, and other helpers. They make a plan with you to give you the care you need.

If reading is hard, you can ask someone to read with you. You can also use audio tools to listen to the words.

What Do Charities Like Mind and Rethink Mental Illness Do?

Charities like Mind and Rethink Mental Illness help people with mental health problems. They support people and give them advice.

Here are some things they do:

• Listen to people and help them talk about their feelings.
• Provide information to understand and cope with mental health challenges.
• Run groups where people can meet and support each other.
• Provide support if someone is worried about their mental health.

You can also use tools like drawing, writing, or breathing exercises to help with feelings. Talking to a trusted friend or adult can be helpful too.