Mental Health

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:

• Talking about your feelings
• Keeping active
• Eating well
• Drinking sensibly
• Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones
• Asking for help when you need it
• Taking a break
• Doing something you’re good at and enjoy
• Accepting who you are
• Caring for others

(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:

• Call 999
• Go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department (A&E). You can search for your local department through the NHS Choices website

For non-emergency situations:

• Visit your GP
• Call NHS 111 (NHS Direct) – open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They can tell you about your local crisis support services or your nearest A&E. Tel: 111. Web: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

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:

• Samaritans:

Offering emotional support 24 hours a day

Tel: 08457 90 90 90

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Web: www.samaritans.org

• Sane Line:

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/