Help and advice
If you or someone you care for is experiencing mental health difficulties there are various places you can go to for advice, information and support.
National Mind produce a range of information booklets and resources which may help to clarify some of the issues you may be facing. Other charities such as Sane and Rethink also produce similar resources.
There are telephone advice lines if you want to speak to someone directly about your options:
- The national Mind helpline is 0845 766 0163.
- Rethink provide a national advice service on 020 8974 6814.
- Sandwell Mental Health Helpline (run by Rethink) is open 6pm-10pm on 0800 13 25 61
- Saneline offers national out of hours (1pm -11pm) emotional support on 0845 767 8000
- You can ring the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.
You can also get e-mail advice from Sane, Rethink and Samaritans if you prefer.
For general advice on basic self help options and low-key ways of looking after your own wellbeing you can contact our community wellbeing team. There is also a useful website run by the Scottish Executive with resources and information about mental wellbeing which may be of some interest to you.
To access statutory services the first port of call is normally your GP. If you explain your problems a good GP will discuss options with you and will not just reach straight for the medication chart. Nowadays GP's can offer books, exercise and wellbeing on prescription, so you may be suprised at what is available to you. Your GP may suggest a few simple changes to your lifestyle and explore ways you can start to de-stress and relax.
Sometimes your GP will put you in touch with another agency or individual that can help you - maybe referring you to counselling or another 'talking therapy', or to to see a psychologist, a community nurse, a psychiatrist, and so on. These services are often delivered through the local Mental Health and Social Care Trust.
If you do end up seeing a social worker, CPN or similar mental health keyworker, you should ask them to make clear who you should contact if you are in distress, and get them to clarify what out of hours arrangements their service has in place to support you should the need arise.
If you or someone you care for is in real distress and at serious risk of harm, and you have run out of other support options, you should go to the nearest Accident and Emergency department without delay.