One in four people suffer from mental health problems and nine out of ten people with such problems experience stigma and discrimination.

The fact is that life is full of ups and downs and coping with everyday stresses and strains of life is a good start but any of us at any time could face more complex problems.

Mental health problems can affect anyone, rich or poor, young or old, shattering the lives of those affected and the lives of the people close to them.

Anxiety, stress and depression are not uncommon when trying to deal with life’s ups and downs; it is important always to seek help and support.

Mind

Mind (National Association for Mental Health) is a leading mental health charity and they can help you to create a better life if you are experiencing mental distress.

029 2039 5123  www.mind.org.uk

Rethink

Rethink is an organisation that works with anyone affected by severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, to help them recover a better quality of life.

0845 456 0455 www.rethink.org

Self-harm and suicide

People who harm themselves are usually finding life difficult and see self-harm as a way to cope. Rates of self-harm in the UK have increased over the past decade and are amongst the highest in Europe perhaps affecting as many as one in 12 young people

Some forms of self-harm carry a serious risk, and self-harm is damaging and needs to be addressed.  

Seek advice and help as soon as you can.

The site.org is the most comprehensive information and online community helping young people facing issues with their emotional health.

www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/mentalhealth

In some cases you or someone you know may feel like there is no way to cope with what you’re experiencing and for some people this leads to considering taking their own lives.  The most important thing is to never leave such feelings unchallenged and speak to someone straight away don’t hold  the feelings inside.  Talking openly about how you really feel can be like opening a door. Talking puts you back in control and reveals the choices you have.

The Samaritans provides confidential non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those feelings that could lead to suicide.

08457 90 90 90  www.samaritans.org

Mental Health Care Professionals, Medication and Counselling

Whether you're feeling under the weather or need some advice, there are plenty of people who can help; however the range of mental health professionals can be baffling, there's psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and so on. They are all there to help you if you have mental health issues. 

The usual starting point for most people with emotional health problems is to go to your family doctor (GP). Everything you say to your GP is confidential.  They will treat you themselves, possibly recommend medication, offer counseling services or refer you to a specialist; this would usually be within the NHS but sometimes privately.  Your GP will guide you through who you need to see.