Cost of living support Mental health support
Mental health support services are available to support you through this difficult time.
It's natural to feel stressed or worried about your financial situation, work issues, and events that are out of your control. But if you think your mental health is affecting your day-to-day life, there are a range of options available to you.
Mental health support from the NHS
Talk to your GP
If you're worried about your mental health, talk to your GP.
Your GP can:
- diagnose your mental health problem
- offer you advice, support and treatments
- refer you to an NHS mental health service
Talking to your GP about your mental health might feel daunting, but they are experienced in dealing with these issues and they are there to help. You can be honest and open with them about your feelings.
The mental health charity, Mind, has created a short video to help you prepare for your first conversation with your GP.
Refer yourself to NHS therapy services
If you're over 18 and registered with a GP, you can refer yourself to an NHS psychological therapy service.
These services are known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services, and can offer:
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- counselling
- guided self-help
Visit the NHS website to find an NHS psychological therapy service.
Mental health support from charities
Helplines and listening services
If you don't want to talk to your GP, you can call a helpline to talk to a trained adviser instead. They can help you make sense of what you're feeling and offer advice.
- Samaritans – call 116 123 any time or email jo@samaritans.org
- SANEline – call 0300 304 7000 between 4pm and 10pm
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline – call 0800 689 5652 between 6pm and 3:30am
Text message services
If you would prefer to text, Shout provides free, 24/7 mental health support.
Text SHOUT to 85258
(If you are under 19, text YM to 85258)
Self-help resources
The NHS have a range of guides, tools and activities that can improve your mental health.
Every Mind Matters provides free advice, practical tips and actions to help you improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Mind publishes tips to help you take care of your mental wellbeing.
Samaritans have a self-help app that can teach you relaxation techniques.
Struggling to pay your bills?
You could be eligible for financial support from the government, your local council, your energy provider, and charitable organisations.
