The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.
The positive dimension of mental health is stressed in WHO's definition of health as contained in its constitution: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
Mental health needs can happen to anyone and can last a short-time or be longer term. Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious long-term conditions.
You can help keep yourself in good mental health by:
(Source: Mental Health Foundation)
For a complete A-Z guide on mental health problems please visit: http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/mental-health-a-z/?view=Standard
If you have any concerns about your mental health, speak to your GP or local mental health service. Use Find A Service to find one near you.
Crisis contacts:
Who to contact if you need urgent support If you feel like harming or hurting yourself or other people:
For non-emergency situations:
Mental health services:
If you are already receiving support from mental health services you should have a care plan. This will include details of who you should contact in a crisis. If you can't find your care plan:
During the day:
Contact your Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) and ask for your care co-ordinator or the person on duty.
During evenings, weekends or bank holidays:
Call your local crisis team.
Emotional support:
If you would like to offload or talk to someone about your problems, then you may find an emotional support line useful. Some to try are:
Offering emotional support 24 hours a day
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Web: www.samaritans.org
Offering specialist mental health emotional support 6-11pm everyday. Tel: 0845 767 8000
You can also email through their website: http://www.sane.org.uk/