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Mental health
Overview
Unfortunately, in the past, people experiencing mental distress often faced stigma, which made seeking help difficult. If you or anyone of your family or friends is experiencing mental distress, there is help available all you need to do is to reach out.
The purpose of this webpage is to provide the information to access the support you need.
Urgent – I need help now
If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can now contact your local crisis service calling:
NHS 111 Option 2 for Mental Health, or Mental Health Direct on 0800 995 1000 (24/7).
North East London NHS Foundation Trust also run Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CMHS).
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now.
The Samaritans is a charity who support anyone experiencing distress, despair, or suicidal thoughts. They can be contacted by phone on 116 123 or email on jo@samaritans.org at any time of day or night.
Where to go for mental health help
If you think you need help, your first point of contact will nearly always be your GP.
GPs aren't just there for your physical health - they also have experience in helping people with mental health problems and can refer you to specialist services.
If you don't have a GP, register with one:
More information on how to access mental health services is on the NHS website.
Therapy and counselling
Talking therapies are a type of psychological treatment for people experiencing mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.
The NHS has information on how to find talking therapies for anxiety and depression. You can also find information on NHS talking therapies for people living in Barking and Dagenham on the North East London NHS Foundation Trust website.
For more information on finding therapy or counselling, including what to think about if arranging and paying for private therapy, you may find this information from Mind useful.
Mental health and wellbeing information
The NHS has a lot of useful information on mental health, including
- Tips, guides, tools and activities to support and improve mental health
- Advice for life situations and events