When Should I Seek Mental Health Support?
Be assured, it is normal to experience some negative thoughts, feelings and emotions, particularly if you are injured, in pain or going through a life change: Our 1-2-1 Support Services can help you with these.
If at any time you experience mental health concerns (see examples below), you should first go to your GP or a registered mental health profession for support (see ‘How to Find Mental Health Support’ further below). This is because mental health concerns such as these are known to reduce the effectiveness of our support methods.
However, we can help you with Our 1-2-1 Support Services when you have seen your GP or a mental health professional and s/he confirms:
- That you do not have a mental health concern that requires therapy,
- Or that your programme of therapy has been completed.
Mental Health Concern Examples. When you…
- Feel unhappy, sad or irritable most of the time.
- Feel worried, nervous, overwhelmed and/or anxious most of the time.
- Have emotional struggles that are interfering with your ability to function at work, at college/Uni, at home or in relationships.
- Have thoughts of harming yourself and/or others. If so, please see and act upon ‘Urgent Help for Your Mental Health’ below or Call 999 / go to A&E if the risk is impending or immediate.
- Struggle with substance abuse or other addictions.
- Have had or are having a significant life change or loss, e.g., the illness or death of a loved one or the loss of a significant relationship.
- Have an eating disorder and/or struggle with body image.
- Have experienced abuse or trauma at any time in your life and are struggling with how that affects you now.
- Have difficulty with your sexual orientation.
Please note that if during our 1-2-1 Support we have concerns for your mental health, we will refer or signpost you to mental health support. If appropriate, we then continue with our coaching once your GP/mental health practitioner has confirmed that there is no need for therapy or your support has finished.
How To Find Mental Health Support
We are not a mental health or emergency mental health service
How to Find Support for a Mental Health Concern/What Will Happen
- Your GP. They will offer you advice based on your situation and might refer you to your local NHS Psychological Therapies Service (IAPS).
- Your local IAPS. You can also self-refer to a IAPS: This link will help you find your local service and give more information of the mental health concerns they support. Please keep a record of their number.
- A British Psychological Society (BPS) Chartered Clinical Psychologist. This link to the BPS Society Register will help you find one.
How to Get Urgent Help for Your Mental Health
If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse or you’re in crisis or despair, it’s important to get help quickly for immediate advice and assessment. This link gives information of NHS and some NHS-approved services that are available to help you. Please have a look and keep a record of any helpful numbers.
CALL 999 or GO TO A&E if you feel that yours or someone’s life is at risk or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe.