If you feel that something is not right with your mental health, it is important to take action and seek support.
When taking the simple self-care steps is just not working for you, it is time to seek further help. If you have been having ongoing or prolonged (over 2 weeks) feelings of :
Sadness,
Hopelessness,
Lack of concentration,
A change in your sleep pattern,
Inability to perform basic daily tasks,
Isolating yourself and not enjoying your usual hobbies and interests
Mental health problems are often something that we cannot tackle on our own. At different times in our lives, self-care just doesn't go far enough and we may need to get some outside help and support for our mental health.
Consider the following as your next steps:
Talk it out
For you, it may be as simple as talking it out with a trusted friend or family member. Taking time to talk to others can help you to develop a support network that can benefit you when you need it most. Here are a few pointers:
Try to think of up to 4 trusted friends or family members, work colleagues or neighbours that you can turn to and talk it out. Choose them ahead of time so your support network is in place when you need it.
Choose a good time for them to talk and ensure that they and you are not distracted or interrupted
Where possible choose someone with these attributes:
Trustworthy—you must trust who you confide in
Available—they must have the time to listen without distractions like kids, work or smartphones!
Listening skills—They must be a good listener and not try to cut across or minimise your issues.
Kind—choose someone with empathy who can respond with kindness to your worries
Educate yourself:
Learn more about the symptoms and signs of mental health concerns. This can help you better understand what you are experiencing and identify when you may need additional support.
Connect with support groups:
Joining a support group, either in-person or online, can provide a sense of community and help you connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
Call a Helpline;
Sometimes it helps to talk to a trained professional about whatever it is you are going through. There are lots of choices when it comes to helplines and confidential counselling services.
We have put together a list of these helplines here. For more details on what to expect when you call a helpline see here.
This is often a good place to start as it can help you get the thoughts in your head straight. Choose a helpline or two that provides a service you think will suit you. These are trained people who are ready to listen and help. See here for more details on what to expect when you call a Helpline
Get Professional Help.
We would encourage you to follow this up with a visit to your GP. Your GP is trained to help you in these circumstances and can signpost you to the services that will help you best. ·
If there is any doubt in your mind, don’t hesitate; find qualified people who can help.
If you or someone you know is struggling, there’s lots of support and people who care.
Consider reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counsellor, who can provide support and guidance.
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