Asking for help with your mental health

If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health, you could give them some of the advice below.

Talk to someone about how you're feeling

It’s nothing to feel ashamed about, and you’re not alone. Around one in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year.

Asking for help might seem scary, but it’s a step towards changing your life for the better.

There are lots of ways you can get help with your mental health, and talking to someone about how you’re feeling can help you find the right option for you.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, we would recommend visiting your GP, and explaining how you’re feeling. They will give you advice and suggest any treatment options they think are appropriate.

Or, you might be able to access a mental health service directly. You can find out more about accessing services on the NHS website.

Other support options

If you're comfortable, we'd recommend sharing how you feel with your friends, family, or a professional, like a trained counsellor. You could also get in contact with a mental health charity.

This page from Mind provides some really useful advice on getting help with a mental health problem. 

Avoid using alcohol or drugs to try and manage the problem

Some people try to use alcohol or drugs to change the way they feel or avoid unpleasant thoughts. Alcohol and drugs can sometimes make the problem worse, and cause other issues later on.

It’s much better to talk to someone else about how you’re feeling, and find the right treatment for your mental health.