27 products
Smith Webb
Good Things Coming - Mini White Soxyen Socks
Regular price £14.00 Save £-14.00GOOD THINGS COMING. Ankle height, Mini organic cotton sports socks. A best seller and celeb favourite from the amazing Soxygen.
Soxygen eco-certified yarns are naturally processed and free from any artificial chemicals. Not only does this mean that our socks are kind on your skin but even kinder for our planet.
Machine Wash Cold,Tumble Dry Low
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
You Got This - Mini White Soxyen Socks
Regular price £14.00 Save £-14.00You Got This - for days when you need to tell the world exactly how you feel. White ankle height/Mini organic cotton sports socks. A best seller and celeb favourite from the amazing Soxygen.
Soxygen eco-certified yarns are naturally processed and free from any artificial chemicals. Not only does this mean that our socks are kind on your skin but even kinder for our planet.
Unisex
One Size Fits All
Elasticated Stretch
Machine Wash Cold,Tumble Dry Low
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Ugh - Mini Sky Blue Soxyen Socks
Regular price £14.00 Save £-14.00Ugh - for days when you need to tell the world exactly how you feel. Sky blue ankle height/Mini organic cotton sports socks. A best seller and celeb favourite from the amazing Soxygen.
Soxygen eco-certified yarns are naturally processed and free from any artificial chemicals. Not only does this mean that our socks are kind on your skin but even kinder for our planet.
Unisex
One Size Fits All
Elasticated Stretch
Machine Wash Cold,Tumble Dry Low
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Manifest That Shit - Mini White + Ombre Blue Print Soxyen Socks
Regular price £14.00 Save £-14.00Manifest That Shit- Put it out there to the Universe. White ankle height/Mini organic cotton sports socks with Blue ombre lettering. A best seller and celeb favourite from the amazing Soxygen.
Soxygen eco-certified yarns are naturally processed and free from any artificial chemicals. Not only does this mean that our socks are kind on your skin but even kinder for our planet.
Unisex
One Size Fits All
Elasticated Stretch
Machine Wash Cold,Tumble Dry Low
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Soxygen
Make It Happen - Mini Black Soxyen Socks
Regular price £14.00 Save £-14.00Make It Happen. Ankle height, Mini organic cotton sports socks. A celeb favourite from the amazing Soxygen.
Soxygen eco-certified yarns are naturally processed and free from any artificial chemicals. Not only does this mean that our socks are kind on your skin but even kinder for our planet.
Unisex
One Size Fits All
Elasticated Stretch
Machine Wash Cold,Tumble Dry Low
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Feeling Good - Classic White + Ombre Pink Print Soxyen Socks
Regular price £14.00 Save £-14.00Feeling Good - White classic height organic cotton sports socks with pink ombre lettering. A best seller and celeb favourite from the amazing Soxygen.
Soxygen eco-certified yarns are naturally processed and free from any artificial chemicals. Not only does this mean that our socks are kind on your skin but even kinder for our planet.
Unisex
One Size Fits All
Elasticated Stretch
Machine Wash Cold,Tumble Dry Low
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Buy Me Coffee - Classic White + Ombre Beige Print Soxyen Socks
Regular price £14.00 Save £-14.00Buy Me Coffee - If ever a sock was made for us smith + webb girlies this is definitely it! White classic height organic cotton sports socks with Beige ombre lettering. A best seller and celeb favourite from the amazing Soxygen.
Soxygen eco-certified yarns are naturally processed and free from any artificial chemicals. Not only does this mean that our socks are kind on your skin but even kinder for our planet.
Unisex
One Size Fits All
Elasticated Stretch
Machine Wash Cold,Tumble Dry Low
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Be Fucking Kind - Classic Grey Soxyen Socks
Regular price £14.00 Save £-14.00Be Fucking Kind - Sometimes we all need a reminder. Grey classic height organic cotton sports socks. A best seller and celeb favourite from the amazing Soxygen.
Soxygen eco-certified yarns are naturally processed and free from any artificial chemicals. Not only does this mean that our socks are kind on your skin but even kinder for our planet.
Unisex
One Size Fits All
Elasticated Stretch
Machine Wash Cold,Tumble Dry Low
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
SPACEMASKS
Regular price £16.50 Sale price £15.00 Save £1.50Spacemasks are self heating eye masks that will transport you to another dimension. Relieving tiredness, eye strain and other Earthly tensions. Scented with a subtle jasmine, space masks are suitable for all skin types.
One box contains 5 individually wrapped space masks.
This is a must have product and comes with the tried and tested smithwebb seal of approval. Visit Spacemasks for more info.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Snacks - REALLY Big Bag
Regular price £30.00 Sale price £28.00 Save £2.00If you never have enough room for all the snacks you need on a day out then here's the tote for you!
REALLY big bags are REALLY useful. Perfect for the gym, the beach, weekends away and your weekly shop.
The 'Snacks' design has been printed big and bold in black on sturdy natural canvas.
Lovingly stitched and printed in the UK. Hooray!
- Made in the UK
- 15oz heavy weight natural canvas
- Deep flat base
- Screen printed in black
- Mid-length handles
- 730mm by 440mm by 170mm (28¾ by 17½ 6¾ inches)
Hand wash only. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Iron at a low temperature setting, do not iron the printed area.
Care instructions can also be found on the label inside your bag.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Grey Super Soft - SELF CARE CLUB Embroidered Luxury Bathrobe
Regular price £45.00 Save £-45.00This has become a firm favourite amongst the Smith+Webb family . Embroidered with 'Self Care Club' as a little reminder to ourselves and others.
Luxury velvet on the outside, with a towelling inner.
This Eco bathrobe will save you 70% drying time.
They don't wear at all.
It's a unisex style available in 1 size fits all.
It dries 31% faster than normal robes.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Recharge Himalayan Bath Salts Sachet by CORINNE TAYLOR
Regular price £5.95 Save £-5.95Our Recharge Bath Salts are made using pink Himalayan crystal salt, which is raw, unprocessed and unrefined, and rich in 84 different minerals that the human body needs to stay healthy. This unique Salt can help to rejuvenate and stimulate your skin and body according to its needs.
Infused with pure Coconut oil to leave your skin soft and supple, plus an uplifting blend of organic Grapefruit, Sweet Orange and Ylang Ylang essential oils, to revive both body and mind.
Made with 100% natural ingredients and organic essential oils.
WINNER - Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards 2021 - Best Bath Salts (Uplifting)
FREE FROM - Palm oil, sls, parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance & colour.
VEGAN & CRUELTY FREE
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Calm Himalayan Bath Salts Sachet by CORINNE TAYLOR
Regular price £5.95 Save £-5.95Our Calm Bath Salts are made using pink Himalayan crystal salt, which is raw, unprocessed and unrefined, and rich in 84 different minerals that the human body needs to stay healthy. This unique Salt can help to rejuvenate and stimulate your skin and body according to its needs.
Infused with pure Coconut oil to leave your skin soft and supple, plus a soothing blend of organic Patchouli, Lavender and Frankincense essential oils, to promote deep relaxation & stress relief.
Made with 100% natural ingredients and organic essential oils.
FREE FROM - Palm oil, sls, parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance & colour.
VEGAN & CRUELTY FREE
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Calm Hand & Body Balm by CORINNE TAYLOR
Regular price £17.50 Save £-17.50A nourishing balm made with 100% natural and organic ingredients to nurture, soothe and hydrate the skin.
Made with hydrating organic Cocoa Butter and Candelilla wax which help to keep moisture locked in all day and protect skin from the elements. Vitamin rich Hemp, Jojoba & Sunflower oils, along with healing Calendula deeply nourish and soothe dry and irritated skin, as well as providing relief for minor skin irritations.
Calm contains a soothing blend of Lavender, Frankincense, Patchouli and Chamomile essential oils which provide naturally calming and anti-inflammatory benefits for skin, as well as relaxing the nervous system and providing a beautiful, calming scent.
FREE FROM - Palm oil, sls, parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance & colour.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Balance Himalayan Bath Salts Sachet by CORINNE TAYLOR
Regular price £5.95 Save £-5.95Our Balance Bath Salts are made using pink Himalayan crystal salt, which is a raw, unprocessed and unrefined salt rich in 84 different minerals that the human body needs to stay healthy. This unique Salt can help to rejuvenate and stimulate your skin and body according to its needs.
Infused with pure Coconut oil to leave your skin soft and supple, plus a sweet, floral blend of organic Rose Geranium, Clary Sage and Cypress essential oils, to promote emotional balance and deep relaxation.
Made with 100% natural ingredients and organic essential oils.
FREE FROM - Palm oil, sls, parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance & colour.
VEGAN & CRUELTY FREE
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Black & white GOOD MOOD Cap
Regular price £22.00 Sale price £10.00 Save £12.00A super light weight low profile six panel cap, with a curved peak.
At the back there is an adjustable fastener with a metal clasp
With GOOD MOOD embroidered on the front panels.
Made from 100% cotton.
One size fits all
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Girl, Calm The F Down - Essential Oil for pulse points
Regular price £12.00 Save £-12.00Get back to your natural state: chill AF. You're a blissed out, well balanced zen babe at the heart. Namaste babygirl.
Carefully chosen herbs and essential oils of cedar wood and neroli.
Use on pulse points.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Wake Me Up When Boring Stops
Regular price £10.00 Sale price £5.00 Save £5.00Yawn ….
61%Cotton, 36%Nylon, 3% Spandex
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
No sleep pattern print by Eleanor Bowmer
Regular price £25.00 Sale price £15.00 Save £10.00From the beautiful new range, she created a busier print of her bestselling 'No Sleep Club'. Now available as a repeat pattern-style print set against a vibrant red background.
This would make an excellent gift, or a lovely treat for yourself and would look lovely in any setting.
Other information:
The print comes unframed and is photographed on the product page in a frame for styling purposes.
Printed onto high quality 260gsm photo satin paper
Paper dimensions:
A4 (21.0 x 29.7cm)
A3 (29.7 x 42.0cm)
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Go get Em Tiger Card by Eleanor Bowmer
Regular price £2.95 Sale price £1.95 Save £1.00Go Get Em Tiger greeting card, with gold foiling.
Comes with a contrasting lilac envelope.
Perfect for all occasions.
Our Beautiful cards are made from premium stock with a luxurious silk texture and gold foil printed.
*All cards are left blank inside for your own message
Size: 105 x 150 mm
Printed and packed in the UK.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Fingers crossed good luck card by Eleanor Bowmer
Regular price £2.95 Sale price £1.95 Save £1.00Fingers Crossed card with gold foiling detail.
A funky patterned hand against a bright yellow background.
Comes with a pale blue envelope.
*All cards are left blank inside for your own message
Size: 105 x 150 mm
Printed and packed in the UK.
All cards are packed in compostable wrap made of potato starch.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
DON'T HATE VIBRATE - Print By Sophie Ward
Regular price £15.00 Sale price £10.00 Save £5.00All the right vibes from this fabulous Sophie Ward print.
Available in sizes A4/A3
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
THE JOURNEY...Print in Black - By Sophie Ward.
Regular price £15.00 Sale price £11.00 Save £4.00A great addition to any wall is Sophie Ward Journey print.
Available in sizes A4/A3.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
THE JOURNEY...Print in Pink - by Sophie Ward
Regular price £15.00 Sale price £10.00 Save £5.00The Journey and the coming home is a best selling print by the hugely talented, Sophie Ward.
Available in sizes A4/A3.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Leopard Facemask
Regular price £3.00 Save £0.00Manufactured in the UK.
comfy & easy to wear.
with 2 different ear slots so they should fit all faces.
they can be machine washed at 60 degrees.
Fabric:
95% polyester
5% elastane
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
Smith Webb
Children’s Fleecy Super Soft 'Believe' Bathrobe
Regular price £22.00 Save £-22.00With Beautifully embroidered Believe on the left hand side.
This Children's bathrobe is soft, inside and out. Snuggly & just the thing for little ones to wrap up in before bedtime. Featuring a cosy hood, a tie belt and a handy loop for hanging on the back of the door. In Unisex white. Perfectly to layer over Xmas pyjamas.
Available for ages 2 to 11 years.
Materials: 100% polyester
Care Instructions: Machine wash at 30 degrees, do not bleach, tumble dry on a low setting.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
When we experience changes in our mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Some symptoms can feel scary and it can be difficult to describe them to others. And whilst it is never a good idea to use the internet as a way of self-diagnosing, it can be helpful to try and make sense of what you are experiencing before asking for help. However, if you do so, it is always best to stick to trusted websites with information developed by qualified healthcare professionals. The ones I would recommend are:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
- Sometimes, these symptoms can pass by themselves and do not require any specific treatment. However, if you find that they are persistent and having a detrimental impact on your ability to function day to day – or they are having a negative impact on your quality of life – then, it is important to ask for help. And although it is easier to say to yourself ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘there are people much worse off’, it is always better to ask for help sooner rather than later.
- Your first port of call should almost always be your GP as they are the gateway to most mental health services. Sometimes it is a good idea to ask if your practice has a GP with a specific interest in mental health; these GPs tend to have a closer link with local mental health services and have had some more specialist training.
- As an alternative (e.g. if you know that you would like a talking therapy and would like to access this quicker), each local area should have their own Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team. These are teams of psychologists and other therapists who provide psychological therapy for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Many of these services have their own websites where you can refer yourself - the best way to find this is to google ‘IAPT [your local borough]’. These websites tend to have excellent resources on them too.
- You might feel that your difficulties are caused by something in particular, such as financial worries or the stress caused by work or feeling isolated from people from your own community. There are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?
- Talk to your GP about how you have been feeling and what has been troubling you
- Tell them what impact it has been having on you and your day to day functioning
- Have a think about what you think might help – it’s okay if you don’t know, but if you have a preference for something in particular (e.g. therapy or medication), it is good to think about it beforehand.
- Although it sounds simple, it is always worth going armed with a list of questions and the difficulties you have experienced. Having it written down can help you to get your key points across in what can be a highly emotive situation.
- And if you feel as though you cannot speak about your difficulties by yourself, take someone with you. This could be a family member, a friend or an independent advocate. You can find out more information about advocacy here: https://www.mind.org.uk/media/23456559/advocacy-in-mental-health-2018.pdf
Two helpful leaflets / websites to attach here:
- Choosing talking therapies - Click here to download leaflet.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
- Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to people that you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Think about what you need and how they can best support you.
- Know that you aren’t alone in how you are feeling. There are lots of books, websites and podcasts out there that you can access to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Whilst this is no substitute for getting professional help, it can make you feel less alone in what you are going through.
- If you don’t have anyone that you feel you can talk to, you can call one of the many helplines for people who are struggling, including:
LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
- CLICK HERE to download list of support services
- Mind have some incredibly helpful advice on what to think about when calling a helpline (e.g. if you can’t get through straight away etc.) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/telephone-support/#.WtckQy_Myt8
WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED ANY SUPPORT, OR I AM WAITING A LONG WAITING LIST FOR HELP?
Sadly, the NHS isn’t always able to meet everyone’s needs or preferences, or there can be long waiting time for treatment. Mental health services are chronically underfunded despite the overwhelming demand. There are however some other options that you might want to consider:
Asking if there is anything offered when you are on a waiting list
- Services sometimes have a system for providing some level of support / contact whilst you are waiting for active treatment. This might be an allocated contact person or a therapy group whilst waiting for individual treatment. When you have your assessment, it is worth asking this question.
- Alternatively, they may have suggestions for recommended local resources that you could use in the meantime.
Therapy and other support through charities and voluntary organisations
- As mentioned previously, there are actually a lot of charities and voluntary organisations out there supporting people in a huge variety of ways: specific mental health charities, those aimed at children and families, women specific charities, ones for veterans, bereavement services – the list is endless. Your local IAPT service should normally have a list and be able to signpost you or you could do a quick google search.
Private treatment or therapy
- This is often not an option to people because of the cost, which can be very expensive. If you have private healthcare, possibly through your work, then therapy can often be funded through this.
- If the cost of long term therapy is too much, it might be worth (if possible) considering paying for an initial assessment session to think about what your difficulties are and if the psychiatrist / psychologist / other therapist can make any recommendations for things for you to try, resources to tap into and books to read. Although this may not feel ideal, it could be enough to make things more manageable until another option is available.
How to find a private psychiatrist / therapist:
- You can do a google search to find a suitable psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist in your local area. This can be confusing and overwhelming, because there are so many different types of therapies and therapists available. To find out more about this, have a read of this information from Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/whats-the-difference-between-a-psychiatrist-psychologist-and-psychotherapist/#.WuYscy-ZPR0
- What is important is that you receive the right, evidence based therapy for the difficulty you are experiencing. Rethink have some very helpful advice about this here: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/talking-treatments/nice
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say:
‘Most private psychiatrists would still prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists who practice privately. Local private hospitals may also be able to advise you about this. Some psychiatrists may advertise in your local business directory. If they have the title 'MRCPsych' (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) or ‘FRCPsych’ (Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists), this means that they are current members of the College.’
Once you have found a therapist / psychologist, you can check to see if they are registered with the relevant organisation or regulatory body (which is important as this shows that they have the relevant qualifications to practice safely). Some of these websites also allow you to search for therapists:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
- All practicing psychologists in the UK need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): http://hcpc-uk.org
- And some may also be members of the British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR
Occupational Health / Employee Assistance Schemes
- Some workplaces have specific occupational health services where you can access therapy and other forms of support for free. This is particularly important to look into if your difficulties are making it hard for you to attend / return to work.
Building a network of support where you can
- Talk to people that you trust and try to develop a plan together about how they can help. Could they text or call you each evening? Could you pre-arrange to meet up every week or two? What signs should they look out for that you are struggling (e.g. not responding to messages etc.) and what can they do in this instance that could help? It is always bets to think of these things before things get bad, because it is so much harder to think clearly when you are already struggling.
- Try not to suffer in silence.
Use trusted online resources, for tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing such as:
- NHS Moodzone - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
- Mind everyday living - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
And if anything changes, for example things get worse or you feel that you are unable to cope, you must go back and talk to your GP / mental health professional as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF SAFE?
- If you ever feel as though you are unable to keep yourself safe, you should immediately go to your local A&E department or call 999. If you feel unable to do this, then ask someone else to do it for you.
- Your local A&EThey will have links to their own psychiatric liaison team who will be able to assess you and your needs. This won’t always mean being sent to hospital, as most mental health trusts have something called Crisis or Home Treatment Teams, who can look after you by visiting you regularly in your own home and being on call 24 hours a day.
- When you see your GP / mental health professional, ask about local crisis services and helplines – who can you call when their office is closed? What signs / symptoms / feelings / thoughts would warrant you calling? This is very individual, but so important to think about before you need that help.
- Discuss developing a safety plan with professionals and your family – what you and they can do and when you / they should do it? Again, early intervention is always best.
- Here are some resources on how to cope with suicidal thoughts:
- NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
- Rethink - https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts
- Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WuWW6i-ZPR0
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
There is a huge wealth of books published on the topic of mental health and wellbeing; so much so, that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. There are many that are written from a personal perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in letting you know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. However, it is very important to know that there are also many books written by mental health professionals with the aim of helping to improve symptoms and quality of life.
The leaflet attached here outlines books that are recommended by the NHS to read in your experiencing these common mental health difficulties. However, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for seeking help or talking to someone and work best when they complement other support.
CLICK HERE for a full list of recommended books.
