This page of resources highlights UK-based services, as well as links to further information that is more widely applicable. Spot anything we’ve missed? Send us a message.
**Please dial 999 if you are in the UK and have a genuine emergency (for example, if you don’t think you are able to keep yourself safe).
If you live in the UK and are experiencing a problem with your mental health your GP should be the first professional you reach out to. They are able to prescribe medication and refer more serious cases to secondary services (like a mother and baby unit or adult mental health services). They are also knowledgeable about what other options might be available to you. Occasionally though, this contact doesn’t go exactly the way that you need or want it to. Here are some tips to help ensure you get the help you deserve:
* When reaching out to your GP, try starting with someone that you have a relationship with or who has a special interest in women’s health or postnatal checks. The receptionist should be able to tell you this or you may be able to find it out via the surgery website. It is always your right to ask for a second opinion.
* Bring someone along for reassurance if you’re nervous. They can also act like an advocate, and speak on your behalf.
* You can self-refer to talking therapies – find contact details by picking up a leaflet from your GP surgery, or you can do a Google search. It’s a good idea to find a good fit with your talking therapist and it’s ok to ‘shop around’ and find someone that you’re comfortable with.
* The Mind website has some great information regarding seeking help, including a ‘Making yourself heard’ page.
Much of the above advice applies to those who don’t have existing contact with mental health services. If you are under the care of a MH professional you should have been given direct contact details and/or individualised advice about what to do if you have a problem.
UK-based helplines:
Mindline Somerset: Call 01823 276892 (outside of Somerset? Google ‘Mindline and [your local area]’)
Samaritans: Call 116 123 from any phone (24-hour helpline) or
Text “SHOUT’ to 85258 – this is a free and anonymous (it won’t appear on your phone bill) support service that’s available 24/7.
Family Lives (advice on all aspects of parenting): Call 0808 800 2222
No Panic (for OCD, panic attacks and anxiety disorders): Call 0300 772 9844 (open every day of the year, 10am-10m)
Informative websites:
This is an American resource for anxiety.
Resources specifically for the BIPOC community:
Maternal mental health specific resources:
Association for Post-Natal Illness (APNI): Call 020 7386 0868
Smile Group is a charity offering peer support and other community-based services
Acacia Family Support offers pre and postnatal depression support services to mothers, fathers and families
Also see ‘Social media accounts to know about’ below, as many of these accounts are related to motherhood or maternal mental health.
The following two sections (resources for children and men) are provided in an effort to help you to support the ones you love, as well as in recognition of the fact that our own wellbeing is often linked to that of those we love most.
Resources specifically for children:
Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community for young people that provides free, safe and anonymous support.
Childline (for children and young people) call 0800 1111 or find support online
Resources specifically for men:
Brothers in Arms supports men in Scotland, they also have a comprehensive list of other resources (applicable to men outside of Scotland) on their website.
This page is a great resource for fathers.
Social media accounts to know about:
