47 products
Smith Webb
Sample Kindness Unisex Tee
Regular price £10.00 Save £-10.00Oops we forgot we made these! Sorting through our stock recently we discovered these gems. Unisex ‘kindness’ tee is now in a sample sale for £10. It’s the perfect soft grey and goes with everything. Limited numbers available.
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 £16.00 Save £6.00A 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
Black & White GOOD MOOD Vest
Regular price £26.00 Sale price £18.00 Save £8.00100% Organic, single jersey ring spun cotton. featuring our positive or ironic slogan depending on your mood.
Model is 5ft 8, size 8 and is wearing size XS.
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
GOOD MOOD T-shirt
Regular price £26.00 Sale price £18.00 Save £8.00One of our original designs.
GOOD MOOD.
Dress for the mood you want, not the mood you're in.
Made from 100% cotton in a Unisex fit.
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
Navy Blue Varsity Joggers
Regular price £30.00 Sale price £21.00 Save £9.00Featuring cuffed leg openings, these classic and comfortable jog pants are complete with an elasticated waistband and white inner drawcord.
Brushed inner fleece. Side pockets.
Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) certified production.
Washing InstructionsMachine wash 30°. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low heat. Low iron. Do not dry clean
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
Organic Pink, long handled string - Turtle bag
Regular price £7.00 Sale price £5.00 Save £2.00Just as robustly strong and capacious as the short handled bag, but it comes with longer handles so that you can sling it over your shoulder.
These bags are made from organic cotton, certified under the global organic textile standard ( GOTS ).
No chemicals, pesticides or fertilisers are used in the production of the fabric.
Farmers work under safe conditions with an agreed minimum wage.
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
Organic Natural, Long Handled - Turtle Bag
Regular price £7.00 Sale price £5.00 Save £2.00The Turtle Bag Long Handle, which are great for hanging over a buggy, pushchair or your shoulder. Made of organic cotton, this reusable organic cotton bag is big and sturdy enough to hold all your purchases, helping to reduce your single-use plastic consumption when shopping.
Small enough to fit in your bag, the Turtle Bag Long Handle means you are ready to shop plastic-free on your way home from work or whenever you're out and about!
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
Officially Quite a Good Dad - Enamel Pin
Regular price £7.00 Sale price £5.00 Save £2.00If your dad is quite good pop this enamel pin on his lapel so he never forgets it!
A smart metal pin badge, featuring our 'Officially Quite a Good Dad' design. Made from black enamel and matt silver toned metal with a rubber clasp.
The enamel pin badges are perfect for jazzing up jackets, totes, backpacks and all sorts of other items. They are an ideal little gift for a new dad and are perfect for popping inside a birthday or Father's Day card as a little extra treat!
Supplied on a recycled card backing board.
- Made in the UK
- Matt silver toned metal and hard enamel
- Rubber Clasp
- 23mm in diameter
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
Light It Up Matches
Regular price £5.00 Sale price £4.00 Save £1.0075 matches in the cutest box.
Please note these are pre orders and due to be shipped on the 25th September.
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 Perfect Seamless Gym Legging - Navy
Regular price £30.00 Sale price £20.00 Save £10.00We've found the perfect pair!
With a high rise waistband and handy side pockets.
Super sculpting in all the right places. With minimal happy smiley branding from Smith Webb.
Wether you are doing a full on work out at the gym, or just hanging about the house.
This is the item in your wardrobe you will keep reaching for.
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 perfect Seamless Gym legging - Black
Regular price £30.00 Sale price £20.00 Save £10.00We've found the perfect pair!
With a high rise waistband and handy side pockets.
Super sculpting in all the right places. With minimal happy smiley branding from Smith Webb.
Wether you are doing a full on work out at the gym, or just hanging about the house.
This is the item in your wardrobe you will keep reaching for.
Model wears a size S.
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
Pink & Red Adored Sweatshirt
Regular price £42.00 Sale price £22.00 Save £20.00
This perfect fit crew neck sweatshirt is an absolute must. raglan sleeve to give that relaxed fit and the slight stretch in the cotton for ultimate comfort. It also makes for a great gift to remind someone just how loved they are.
85% ORGANIC RING-SPUN COMBED COTTON, 15% RECYCLED POLYESTER
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
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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
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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
White & Red BABYKIND Super Soft Babygro
Regular price £5.00 Save £-5.00The cutest 100% super soft cotton, long sleeved, full body babygro with an envelope neck, is the perfect new addition to our Kindness Collection.
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
White & Red Adored T-shirt
Regular price £28.00 Sale price £15.00 Save £13.00Oh Adorable T, how much do we love the.
Available in a regular fit, a little generous so size down if you prefer more fitted style.
Made from 100% combed cotton.
Preshrunk to minimise shrinkage.
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
Navy Blue Varsity Manifest Sweatshirt
Regular price £48.00 Sale price £20.00 Save £28.00- Manifest your own future.
This sustainable sweatshirt features a beautifully soft-brushed inner and smooth 100% organic cotton face.
Sourced from certified factories with a blend of 80% organic cotton and 20% recycled polyester to help minimise impact on the environment.
Washing Instructions: Machine wash 30°. Do not bleach. Iron low heat. Tumble dry low heat. Do not dry clean.
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
White Stretch Plain T shirt
Regular price £5.00 Save £-5.00The white t-shirt is 96% cotton with a 4% elastane for that perfect amount of stretch. Throw on a matching varsity sweatshirt for extra warmth.
Available in Childrens.
If you would like to mix & match your tops to bottoms, please email us your size requirement.
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
Navy Plain Stretch T shirt - Womens & Childrens Sizes Sample Sale
Regular price £5.00 Save £-5.00The Navy t-shirt is 96% cotton with a 4% elastane for that perfect amount of stretch. Throw on a matching varsity sweatshirt for extra warmth.
Available in sizes also please see below.
If you would like to mix & match your tops to bottoms, please email us your size requirement.
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.
