Good to Talk · Things you can do yourself · Free. Always.
Don't make one person carry everything
Self-help is not the right tool for an emergency. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental-health option.
Support is stronger when it isn't resting entirely on one pair of shoulders.
Different people can do different jobs
Your partner might know you best. One mate makes you laugh. Another listens. Your GP handles health. A therapist may help with patterns and treatment. A colleague understands work. That is a network.
Write down who is actually available
When you're struggling, remembering who you could contact can be harder. Make the list while things are calmer.
Include professional routes
A support circle is not only friends and family. Know how you would contact your GP, NHS services and urgent support if things worsened.
Self-help doesn't mean alone
Good to Talk home · When to get help · When self-help isn't enough
Sources & further reading
- NHS Every Mind Matters — mental wellbeing tips
- NHS Every Mind Matters — mental health issues
- NHS — self-help
Self-help can support mental wellbeing, but it is not a substitute for professional assessment or treatment when those are needed.