If you are concerned that you are developing a mental health problem you should seek the advice and support of your GP as a matter of priority. If you are thinking about ending your life, please call 999 (UK) or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress.
The Mental Health Foundation is a charity specialising in research and policy development, with a focus on preventing mental health problems. We are not able to advise people directly on their personal circumstances.
Below are details on services and organisations that offer help and support directly to people with mental health problems.
Whatever you're going through, Samaritans will face it with you. They're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call for free on 116 123
For a full list of services please visit the Samaritans website.
For free, confidential support, 24/7, text SHOUT to 85258.
If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout volunteers are available day or night.
Shout can help with urgent issues such as:
- Abuse
- Anxiety and stress
- Bullying
- Depression or sadness
- Loneliness or isolation
- Panic attacks
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts
For more information visit the Shout website.
You can reach out to Rethink for advice and information.
They provide support with:
- Mental Health conditions, symptoms and diagnoses
- Living with mental illness
- Your legal rights and restrictions for mental health care
You can get in contact with Rethink via their website.
Mind have a wide range of resources to support those with mental health problems.
Their support includes:
- Crisis and emergency support
- Mental health related legal advice
- Resources on a range of topics
For more information and to get support visit the Mind webstie.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide.
You can talk to CALM about anything.
Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or message via WhatsApp or webchat - They are open from 5pm until midnight 365 days a year and it's free to contact.
For more about the support CALM offers please visit their website.
If you are a young person looking specifically for support there are several options:
ChildLine provides support specifically support for under 18s. You can call them on 0800 1111, they are open 24/7, you can also speak to a counsellor 1-2-1 online by visiting the ChildLine website.
YoungMinds provide help and advice for people up to the age of 25. For more information about the support they offer you can visit their website.
Barnardo's runs specialist services across the UK for children and young people. To find the support they offer near you check out their website.
The Mix is a UK-based charity that provides free, confidential support and counselling for young people under 25. You can find out more about what they offer by visiting their website.
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now
If you need urgent help for your mental health, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111
Most people recover from mental health problems without needing specialist services. If you, or someone you know does need a specialist however, you can find out how to access NHS mental health services and where to get urgent help here:
You may find it helpful to talk to your partner, a relative or a friend about your problems. They may be concerned about you and welcome the opportunity to hear what you have to say. If this is not possible, you may prefer to talk to someone else you can trust, like a faith leader or a tutor.
You can find out more about friendships and how to tell your friends on our friendships page.
Your GP may be the first person you talk to about your mental health problems. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, you may find it helpful just to know there is someone you can talk to about the feelings you are having. Your GP may refer you to specialist services if he/she feels they will help you. You can find information about talking to your GP about your mental health in our guide.
If you are unhappy with your own doctor, you can ask to see another doctor at the same practice or make an appointment with a different practice in your area. If you are unsure where to find other doctor’s surgeries, look in your local Yellow Pages or try the NHS Choices website.
If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, you may face difficult experiences, like discrimination and stigma, that can affect your mental health. It may feel helpful to get support from an organisation with a deeper understanding of your experience as an LGBTQ+ person (this doesn’t mean that other mental health services aren’t for you – as services should always be inclusive and welcoming).
Switchboard - Listening services, information and support for LGBTQIA+ people. Call 0800 0119 100 - Open 10am-10pm every day.
MindOut - Mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people. Live chat available Monday - Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm.
LGBT Foundation - Advice, support and information for people identifying as LGBTQ+. Call 03453 30 30 30 - Open between 9am-6pm on week days.
Mermaids - Supports gender-diverse young people aged 19 and under, their families and carers. Offers a helpline and and webchat. Call 0808 801 0400 - Open 1pm - 8:30pm Monday to Friday.
African Rainbow Family - Charity that supports people seeking asylum and refugees who are LGBTIQ+ and have African heritage.
AKT - Supports LGBTQ people aged 16-25 who are homeless or living in a hostile environment. Live chat available Monday - Wednesday from 10am to 5pm.
Pink Therapy - Online directory of qualified therapists who identify as or are understanding of minority sexual and gender identities.
Hub of Hope - UK-wide mental health service database for local and national support. Includes a filter for LGBTQ+ support.