World Mental Health Day 2022: Resources for support

While physical health is important, mental health is something that requires its own intense care, attention and responsibility too.

There’s no denying that the awareness around mental health has grown over the years, with more and more people focusing on ways to improve and measure mental health. However, that doesn’t mean a large number of the population aren’t still struggling. 

According to Mind, one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind in each year in England whilst one in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety or depression) in any given week.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the financial freedom to sit down with a therapist, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a plethora of free resources available. 

Reaching out for help is a lot easier said than done, but help is out there in a variety of forms – and things can get better. There are plenty of options out there suited for your needs, there are virtual options if you want to work with a mental health pro without leaving your bed or even texting options if you’re just looking to chat for a bit. No matter your issue, there’s support out there for you.

Below is a list of resources if you or someone you know is in need of mental health support.

NHS Urgent Mental Health Helpline (England only) offers mental health support and advice, help to speak to a mental health professional, and can arrange an assessment to help decide on the best course of care (open 24/7).

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK provides a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (open 24/7).

Call SANEline If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm–10:30pm every day).

Samaritans are available to talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact them 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).

The Mix offers mental health support for those under 25. You can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight every day). Request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.

Papyrus HOPELINEUK is available If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling. You can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.

If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.

Rethink is a charity that offers various support for mental health issues and provides career support, crisis support, helplines and much more. You can contact them on 0808 801 0525 or via email at info@rethink.org.

For more options, visit the Helplines Partnership website for a directory of UK helplines. If you’re outside the UK, the Befrienders Worldwide website has a tool to search by country for emotional support helplines around the world.