You don't have to suffer in silence- ways to get help for your Mental Health.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has changed the way we currently live our day to day lives, reducing the amount of social interaction we can do, confining us to our houses unless it is 'essential' that we leave (work, emergencies, food shopping etc) and isolating us from people we love. It's a difficult time right now here in the UK, as we are currently in our third lockdown. It is no great surprise that people's mental health is starting to suffer and through both my daytime job and my volunteer work (more on that later), I have seen an influx in people reaching out for help due to loneliness, isolation, depression and anxiety.

Whilst reaching out for help is easier said than done (I get it, I've been there!), I promise that there are services and charities that are there to support you whenever you feel you are able to seek their support. Now more than ever, it is so important that we look out for and take care of ourselves and our mental health- you are important and you deserve it.

I wanted to do a post about all the different services you can access for support, I have included links to their website, information about what they do and their contact details. I will of course add to this over time too.

For a lot of people, their first port of call is their GP, who can discuss what you have been feeling, rule out any other underlying causes and prescribe medication which can help you feel better. If they feel it would be helpful, they can also refer you for talking therapies, such as Counselling or CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to help you talk through and process how you are feeling. However, if you do not want to see your GP, you can refer yourself to psychological therapies yourself via the NHS Website.

An amazing service that has popped up as a result of the pandemic is The Help Hub. They are offering a free 20 minute phone or video call with a fully qualified volunteer therapist, who will listen to you without judgement, offer you support and signpost you to ways for you to move forward and past whatever you are going through. You simply visit their website, pick a time and date to suit you on the book appointment page and they will be in touch. Please note- although you are welcome to use the service as many times as you need, they cannot guarantee you will get the same person every time.

Sometimes, when we are having a period of poor mental health, we can experience dark thoughts, maybe of harming ourselves or taking our own lives. This can be a very lonely and distressing place, which can be hard to talk about. Listed below are places you can go if you need to talk:

• The Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. They are there for you 24/7, 365.

• Shout: The crisis text line I am very proud to volunteer for. Simply text shout to 85258 and you will be connected to a trained volunteer, available 24/7, 365.

• Papyrus: 0800 068 4141, text 07786209697 or email pat@papyrus.uk.org. They provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with suicidal thoughts or anyone worried about a young person they feel is at risk of suicide.

Of course, if you are having very strong thoughts and are unable to keep yourself safe, please call 999 or 111 for emergency support.

I now want to list a few other amazing helplines and services that are out there. Even if you don't feel able to call the helplines straight away, browsing the websites and getting more information could be a great first step. And just knowing there are services out there to help you can be reassuring. Please note these are not crisis services, more helplines for someone to talk to or getting more information/signposts.

• Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393, text 86463 or email info@mind.org. There are also loads of amazing resources and information on the website.

• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 0800 58 58 58. There is also a webchat service too. Available 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life's problems.

• Saneline: 0300 304 7000, or call 07984967708 and leave a message (first name and number) or email support@sane.org.uk. This is an out of hours helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information.

• The Mix: 0808 808 4994 or use their online chat option. This service offers essential support on a range of topics to anyone under 25,

• Switchboard: 0300 330 0630, email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their online chat feature. This amazing charity offers support to the LGBTQ+ community and allows you to talk things through fully, in confidence and with no judgment.

• Anxiety UK: 08444 775 774, text 07537416905 or email support@anxiety.org.uk. Support and advice for those living with anxiety.

• CALL (Wales service): 0900 132 737 or text HELP to 81066. This is a mental health helpline for people in Wales, who offering confidential listening and support.

• B.E.A.T: 0808 801 0677 (adults) or 0808 801 0711 (young people), as well as emailing help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk (adults) or fyp@beateatingdisorders.org,uk (young people). This is a charity for people struggling with eating disorders.

I hope this has been helpful to you and that if you ever feel like you need to reach out, you know how strong you are to do so. I am also here if ever anyone needs to talk. You are not alone.