It can be difficult to recognise if you’re experiencing a mental health problem. Use this page to help you understand what to look out for and where to get support.
One in four people experiences mental health problems in their lifetime. Some signs that you may be experiencing a mental health problem or illness are:
Rethink Mental Illness has more information on common symptoms and what to do if you’re worried about your mental health.
If you’re worried about your mental health, your organisation may be able to make reasonable adjustments or help you find ways to manage your wellbeing while working or volunteering. Some reasonable adjustments your employer or place of volunteering may be able to put in place are:
If you’re an employee, you can talk to your:
If you’re a volunteer you can talk to:
Mind has advice on how to tell your employer about a mental health problem and getting support at work.
If you don’t feel comfortable talking about your mental health to someone at work, there are other ways to find support.
Your GP can talk you through the different types of treatment available and make a referral to services.
If you can’t access therapy from the NHS or would like to seek therapy privately, you have other options. It’s still a good idea to speak to your GP first as they can suggest what type of treatment may be helpful.
Mind has information on how and where to find a therapist, including charity and third sector therapists.
The NHS urgent mental health helpline is open 24/7 for advice and support. You can call for yourself, your child, your parent or someone you care for.
Emotional support and advice helplines can help with information and support.
If you’re over 18 and live in England you can use the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service.
The IAPT service offers a range of therapies, including:
They can help with many mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.
You should call 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you:
111 will tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone. You can also use the online 111 service.
If you don’t feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe, you should immediately call 999 or walk into an A&E department. To find your nearest A&E, use the NHS accident and emergency services finder.
The NHS has information on how a mental health emergency is treated in A&E.
Last reviewed: 01 August 2022
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