Navigating Mental Wellbeing in the UK: What Support is Available?
Our mental wellbeing plays a pivotal role in our life, but often remains shrouded in silence. When should you seek assistance and what is out there to help maintain a healthy mind?
6 minute readLife is hectic. With so much going on, and so many things to deal with, it can be easy to get stressed out. We all know that feeling of being overwhelmed. But how many of us take the time to stop and think about how to look after our mental health? Not many.
Maintaining your physical health is crucial, but with today's cost-of-living crisis, and post-COVID realities, prioritising mental well-being has become more essential than ever.
UK charity Mind has statistics that show 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue in England this year.
With an increasing number of people in the UK reporting mental health issues, many of us may not be aware of the essential support that is available in the UK for them. Let's take an entry-level look into what is available and give you an idea of where you can go for more information as a starting point. It’s important to understand what your options are when you’re not feeling mentally up to par, and also to address the hesitation many of us may have to approach a GP about it.
When may you need mental health support?
We are all human and sometimes life may be a little too much. There may be various situations in which you may need mental health support.
You may encounter drastic changes in your life such as the loss or grief of someone close to you, or experience relationship issues. Having low self-esteem, workplace stress, or triggers brought on by traumatic life events can all affect your mental health too.
Symptoms may include experiencing long periods of sadness or anxiety, changes in your sleep patterns, or having difficulty concentrating. You may be feeling isolated, or have mood swings and feel irritable. Research shows everyone has a different definition of what mental health is, so everyone's experience is unique. As is the point of when to seek help.
Breaking the stigma of not wanting to visit your GP about your mental health
For many of us, the thought of going to our GPs to discuss our mental health can be daunting. There is a stigma around mental health which puts many people off seeking help. There is a fear of being judged or feeling embarrassed about opening up, especially for men.
There is also a very valid fear of discrimination, and that you may be stereotyped if your mental illness is seen in a negative light, in for example the workplace. The Mental Health Foundation has research that shows 1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace (14.7%). This is why seeking help is important as it can help you get back on your feet quickly, instead of you struggling as the situation may worsen without support.
A survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation shows that 70% of people in the UK feel it's more acceptable to talk about their mental health than it was a few years ago. This means the dialog is changing, which is great news! After all, we need to be in a healthy mental state to function optimally and live our best lives.
Is the GP a good place to start?
Your GP can be a good place to start if you wish to seek support. They can help to refer you, but it can take a long time to get an appointment. At the same time, it's completely understandable if you don’t feel comfortable talking to your GP about your mental health.
Believe it or not, the National Health Service (NHS) offers a wide range of mental health services, including counseling, therapy as well as other more specialised treatments. Either your GP can refer you to these options, or you can self-refer without a doctor’s appointment.
The good news is that there are other alternative avenues for support, such as charitable organisations or government-funded initiatives. Some of which are more focused on mental health and better suited to have discussions with you. Charitable organisations such as Mind, the Samaritans, and Rethink Mental Illness can help with mental health support.
Who can you call? A lifeline for mental wellbeing
If you do not want to see someone in person face to face, sometimes a chat on the phone, or even online can make a huge difference.
The Samaritans helpline (116 123) creates a safe and confidential space to share your feelings. You can even send them a physical letter, an email, or speak to them through the app. It can help to add a level of anonymity for those who are not comfortable showing their face. It may also be difficult for some to physically get out to an appointment due to other commitments. Talking to a complete stranger with whom you have no ties with can be liberating.
Mind and Rethink Mental Illness also offers helplines and online resources for a wide range of mental health concerns. You can get guidance and support from trained professionals without the feeling of being judged.
In-person meetings
If you feel up to it, attending in-person meetings can have many benefits. Connecting with others who have faced similar struggles to yourself can help you feel part of a community and less alone.
Many charities run F2F support groups, which can provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and discuss coping strategies. Two big organisations that offer this service are Anxiety UK and Depression Alliance (now merged with Mind). It may be scary at your first meeting, but you may end up with new friends or at the very least a whole new support network.
Support for your loved ones
If you believe a loved one, friend, or family member is not mentally well, it's important to approach the situation with care and empathy. Let them know you are there to support them and have an open and honest conversation. You may want to consider reaching out to mental healthcare professionals to seek advice on their behalf if you feel that the situation has become too severe.
It’s important to know there is support for you in these situations too if you have to act as the carer. Charities such as Carers UK and SANE are specifically designed to assist families and friends of those suffering from mental health issues. These organisations understand the importance of a strong community network in these complex situations.
Nurturing mental wellbeing together
There is no shame in asking for help, especially with something as important as your mental health. We all experience ups and downs in life, and at points, it can be a lot even for the best of us. Sometimes reaching out to someone for something as simple as a chat can make a huge difference to how you feel. That understanding and compassion can go a long way. Just imagine the power of having someone to listen to you, without any judgment, and knowing that they're there to provide support. It's incredible how this alone can work wonders in your life. And when that someone is a trained professional, the impact becomes even greater.
Whether you decide to talk to your GP, reach out to a charity, or seek online support, it's important to remember that everyone's path is unique. Don't hesitate to find the solution that works best for you or your loved ones. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to seeking help and support.
There are so many ways to find help out there, the first step is to ask. It’s time to break down the stigma related to talking about mental health and take advantage of the many resources available to help support you and your mental well-being. You are not alone and there is support out there, help is a conversation away.
