It's common to wonder whether you should try and handle things on your own, but it's always okay to ask for help - even if you're not sure you are experiencing a specific mental health problem.
Getting help and support
You might want to seek help if you're:
- worrying more than usual
- finding it hard to enjoy your life
- having thoughts and feelings which are difficult to cope with which have an impact on your day-to-day life
- interested in support or treatment
For many of us, our local GP practice is the first place we go when we're unwell. Your doctor is there to help you with your mental health as well as your physical health.
They can help you to:
- make a diagnosis
- offer support or treatments
- refer you to specialists
- recommend local support options
Sometimes it can help to talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling. They could:
- help you find information
- discuss your options with you
- come to your appointments
- help out with everyday tasks
- give encouragement and support
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare offer a telephone support service, that operates 24 hours, seven days a week for people who are concerned about their own mental health or somebody else's.
- Call: 0300 123 0907 (option 1)
- Visit: combined.nhs.uk/how-to-access-us-in-a-crisis
Mind
Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They can signpost you to the right support.
- Call: 0300 123 3393
- Email: info@mind.org.uk
- Visit: www.mind.org.uk
Changes
Changes Health & Wellbeing provide mental health support services for children, young people and adults in Stoke on Trent and across Staffordshire, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, Stafford, South Staffordshire, Cannock Chase and Rugeley.
- Call: 01782 411433
- Email: contact@changes.org.uk
- Visit: www.changes.org.uk/wellbeing
Men Unite
Men Unite is a group for men that provides support and encouragement for men who have experienced addiction, loss, or debt issues.
- Call: 07771460806
- Email: craig@menunite.org.uk
- Visit: www.menunite.org
See a full list of support services in Stoke-on-Trent here
If you feel like you might attempt suicide or may have seriously harmed yourself, you need urgent medical attention. Please call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E if you can.
