If you’re worried about your physical or mental health, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. If you are in need of urgent medical assistance please call 999, or 111 if you’re concerned for you’re well-being.
This page contains some links for the U.K. which may be useful; if you’re outside of the U.K. you may find equivalents in your area. This is not an exhaustive list, and a link doesn’t mean we endorse the content, just that you may find it useful:
If you’re struggling with your mental health, and need someone to talk to, remember Samaritans: are available 24/7 on 116 123 – http://Samaritans.org
Search local Crisis Support
How to help someone you’re worried about – article
Victim Services during Coronavirus
Domestic Abuse: Government Guidance During Coronavirus
Safety advice for survivors of domestic abuse during COVID-19 (Womens Aid)> https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-advice-for-survivors/
Talking to Young People about Coronavirus via Young Minds > https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/coronavirus-and-mental-health/
Trouble Accessing Your GP
Visiting the doctor in difficult times (article)
For latest public information on COVID-19 click here For help with anxiety connected to hand hygiene click here (NHS page on OCD)
Mental Health
If you’re worried about a young person:
Papyrus: (preventing suicide in young people) 0800 068 41 41 https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-advice
Young Minds: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/
Powher provide an advocacy service particularly around mental health and work.
Help for those who recognise the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. Contains a perinatal OCD information leaflet. http://www.ocdaction.org.uk
Combat Stress (UK Veterans Mental Health Charity): http://combatstress.org.uk 0800 138 1619
Mind information leaflets on different types of mental health condition: http://mind.org.uk
MindOut – the UK-wide dedicated LGBT mental health charity. https://www.mindout.org.uk/
Heads Together’s Tips for Talking: http://headstogether.org.uk/tipsfortalking
“Finding the words to ask for help” video by Mind
Eating Disorders – Beat Eating Disorders
Seasonal Affective Disorder – Mind Leaflet
Pregnancy Mental Health
Maternity Action is a UK charity committed to improving the health and well-being of pregnant women, partners and young children. www.maternityaction.org.uk
Refuge – Information about Pregnancy and Domestic Abuse http://www.refuge.org.uk/get-help-now/what-is-domestic-violence/domestic-violence-and-pregnancy
Talk Mum – A community for Mums and Mums to Be
Elaine Hanzak is a speaker and author of two books around post-natal depression.
Raising awareness of post-natal depression The Joanne (Joe) Bingley Memorial Foundation
Tommy’s Premature Baby Charity Tommy’s
Frequently Asked Questions: https://pregnancymentalhealth.net/frequently-asked-questions/
NHS Choices – pregnancy and mental health: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/mental-health-problems-pregnant.aspx
NHS Choices – post-natal depression: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Postnataldepression/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Mind information leaflet: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/
Calm Zone (specifically for men): https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/get-help/
Financial or Legal
Bereavement
National Bereavement Partnership ; The National Bereavement Partnership COVID-19 Hub provides a platform for associated practical advice services, support assistance and information to all those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
National Bereavement Service includes guides on Registering a Death and Coroner’s Inquests
Bereavement Advice – practical matters after the death of a loved one
SUDDEN for people who have been bereaved suddenly or too soon
Chums (for children)
Milton Keynes Bereavement Service
SOBS (for those bereaved by suicide)
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society
National Homicide Service (Bereaved Families affected by Homicide)
21 Things You Might Need to Do When Someone Dies (UK Care Guide)
Domestic Abuse
National DA Helpline (24hrs) – 0808 2000 247
Men’s Advice Line – 0808 8010327
National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) Domestic Violence Helpline (run by Galop) Check website for opening hours 0300 999 5428
Choose to Stop – Help for Those Who Harm – Respect PhoneLine
Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape Crisis U.K – the Rape Crisis national freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day of the year)
Survivors U.K. – Male Rape and Abuse
The National Stalking Helpline – 0808 802 0300
Relationship counselling
Responding with empathy: https://helpingyousparkletoday.wordpress.com/2017/10/25/making-space-to-talk-responding-with-empathy-when-someones-struggling/
This is not an exhaustive list. Remember, always speak to your doctor or midwife, if you have concerns about your mental or physical health. Links to sites or services doesn’t mean we endorse their content, just that the information may be of interest.
Answers in the Dark™ by Delphi Ellis 