Here's a list of free mental health services that can offer support at this difficult and stressful time.
This week from our Covid Tracker, we found out that 88% of you have major concerns about your mental health, but 1 in 10 of you are now no longer able to access mental health services from your university. What’s more, 1 in 3 of you don’t know either way whether or not you are eligible for counselling or mental well-being support.
Off the back of these stats, we thought it would be useful for us to put together a list of free mental health services that can offer support at this difficult and stressful time.
Shout
We know that talking to someone face to face (or over the phone) isn’t a solution for everyone, which is why Shout is a fantastic service for us all to know about. They offer a textline that you can access 24/7 if you’re anxious, worried or stressed to talk through your struggles. One of their volunteers will get back to you and this is conducted via text only.
If this sounds like something you could benefit from, just text ‘Shout’ to 85258, and they’ll take it from there.
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35. They have a fantastic community through their CALM Collectives which you can get involved with if feeling isolated is something you are struggling with. While you might not be able to run with other people, make art collectively or play for your football team for a while, the Collectives are still here and the connectivity they provide for like-minded people on social media continues. Just one way to make you feel less alone.
SANE
SANE offers support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, as well as their families and carers.
Have you noticed someone close to you behaving differently recently? If you’re concerned about the well-being of anybody you know - be it your housemate, friend or relative - you can contact SANE on their behalf. Nobody should suffer in silence, but sometimes seeking help for yourself can be difficult. If someone you know seems closed off from the world and you’ve been unable to reach out to them personally, SANE can help.
SANEline: Text 07984 967708, leaving your first name and contact number and a member of staff will get in touch as soon as possible.
Stem4
Stem4 is a charity that offers support for teenagers suffering from mental health difficulties. Their website covers a broad spectrum of mental health issues, with content covering anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders and addiction.
This charity also provides specialist resources for mental health difficulties that have arisen as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
No Panic
If you are somebody who suffers from panic attacks or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), No Panic is a voluntary charity that can give you the support you need. Founded in 1989, they offer courses to help overcome a number of issues that can severely impact your daily life, including phobias and OCD.
Recent surveys indicate that up to 18% of the UK population is affected by severe anxiety and/or phobic disorders.
You can contact them in a number of ways:
- Helpline: 0844 967 4848 (every day, 10 am-10 pm)
- Youth Helpline: 0330 606 1174 (every day, 10 am-10 pm)
- Office: 01952 680486 (Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm)
- Email: [email protected]
Men's Health Forum
Another useful service for men suffering from mental health difficulties, Men’s Health Forum offers 24/7 stress support by text, chat and email. They also host a brilliant podcast with comedian John Ryan in which he shares his philosophy on beating stress and anger.
WISH
WISH is a mental health charity that specialises in women’s health. Working in tandem with Shout, they provide a number of support services, including advocacy services and training programmes.
They also founded the Women’s Mental Health Network (WMHN), which aims to give women suffering mental health difficulties a voice in the community.
They can be contacted by calling 0208 980 3618 or emailing [email protected].
Here are just a few charities and services that are here to help you if you’re feeling low and don’t know where to turn. Whatever you’re feeling, just remember: you aren’t alone and there’s always help if you need it.
Guides for parents
If you or someone you know is concerned about the well-being of their children, this MyTutor guide to teen mental health may help them get to grips with the situation. Feederm also have these resources for parents with teens suffering from body image issues.
For more mental health and well-being resources, sign up for Student Hut today and join our mailing list.
