Places to get help if you are struggling with mental health over Christmas

With multiple lockdowns and health anxiety on the rise, this year has been tough on our mental health all round.

Now Christmas is here – a time that is usually filled with fun and family – people are feeling more isolated than ever before.

Tier 4 restrictions which are currently in place or are about to be put into action are also having an impact on people’s wellbeing, adding to existing anxieties and an overall feeling of dread.

If you feel like you’re in a bad place at the moment, or start to over the coming days, there are a number of resources out there which you can turn to, if you’re struggling to cope over the festive season.

We’ve rounded up some organisations and helplines which will be on hand to help.

Shout

You can text Shout with the word ‘SHOUT’ on 85258, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for people who need mental health support.

For more information visit giveusashout.org

Samaritans

The Samaritans phone line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can call anytime on 116 123.

For more information visit samaritans.org

Mind

Leading mental health charity Mind has all kinds of resources on their websites, including guides and practical tips for coping.

The Mind Infoline is closed on Christmas Day until Monday 28th, but reopens at 9am on December 29.

For more information visit mind.org.uk

NHS

The NHS website offers resources for people to help identify how they are feeling and where to get urgent help if necessary. It has a series of mental wellbeing audio guides to help you boost your mood as well as lots of information on depression, anxiety and more.

For more information visit nhs.uk

Black Minds Matter

Black Minds Matter offers free mental health resources and therapy for black individuals and their families. It also has an online blog about breaking down the stigma of mental health and first-person experiences and testimonials.

For more information visit blackmindsmatteruk.com

Papyrus

Papyrus is a confidential suicide prevention charity, which has a hotline that is open 9am–12am (midnight) every day of the year on 0800 068 4141.

For more information visit papyrus-uk.org

Anxiety UK

This UK charity aims to help people suffering with anxiety disorders, it offers a helpline on 03444 775 774, text support on 07537 416905 and email support at [email protected].

For more information visit anxietyuk.org.uk

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