NEED HELP NOW?
Often the first step towards getting and staying well is seeking help but this can often feel like the hardest step.
Where do I start? Who do I turn to? What will people think of me?
All of these are fairly common thoughts and lots of people try to handle their difficulties on their own. This is a good first step. However, as the old adage goes, a problem shared is a problem halved so asking for help is usually the best thing to do. It is always ok to ask for help.
There are a huge variety of reasons why you might seek help. What might seem big to you, may seem relatively minor to someone else; it is how you feel that is most important.
You might want to seek help if you're:
- worrying more than usual
- finding it hard to enjoy your life
- having thoughts and feelings that are difficult to cope with, which have an impact on your day-to-day life
- interested to find more support or treatment
There are many avenues of support available to everyone, although some may feel for suitable and accessible to you than others. There is no right or wrong and it is important that you engage with what suits you best. Additionally, what works well for one problem, may not be the best solution for a different problem.
People you can turn to include:
* your doctor (GP)
* a trained therapist
* friends, family, carers and neighbours
* adults at school
* charitable organisations
* peer support, bringing people with shared experiences together
* workplace support if you are in work
If you are finding it difficult to seek help, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that you deserve support.
Here are some useful websites of places where you can access support:
The link is found below each image.
