It’s Mental Health Awareness Week – share the green ribbon to show your support and keep the conversation going. Not all wounds are visible, it’s ok to say you’re not ok.
If you’re worried about your physical or mental health, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
This page contains some links for the U.K. which may be useful. This is not an exhaustive list, and a link doesn’t mean we endorse the content, just that you may find it useful:
If you’re struggling with your mental health, and need someone to talk to, remember Samaritans: are available 24/7 on 116 123 – http://Samaritans.org
Powher provide an advocacy service particularly around mental health and work. https://www.pohwer.net/
If you’re worried about a young person:
Papyrus: (preventing suicide in young people) 0800 068 41 41 https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-advice
Young Minds: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/
Other sources of help:
Help for those who recognise the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. Contains a perinatal OCD information leaflet. http://www.ocdaction.org.uk
Combat Stress (UK Veterans Mental Health Charity): http://combatstress.org.uk 0800 138 1619
Mind information leaflets on different types of mental health condition: http://mind.org.uk
Heads Together’s Tips for Talking: http://headstogether.org.uk/tipsfortalking
“Finding the words to ask for help” video by Mind:
Bereavement
Chums (for children)
Milton Keynes Bereavement Service
SOBS (for those bereaved by suicide)
National Homicide Service (Bereaved Families affected by Homicide)
Pregnancy Mental Health
Maternity Action is a UK charity committed to improving the health and well-being of pregnant women, partners and young children. www.maternityaction.org.uk
Relationship counselling service www.relate.org.uk
Refuge – Information about Pregnancy and Domestic Abuse http://www.refuge.org.uk/get-help-now/what-is-domestic-violence/domestic-violence-and-pregnancy
Talk Mum – A community for Mums and Mums to Be
Elaine Hanzak is a speaker and author of two books around post-natal depression.
Raising awareness of post-natal depression The Joanne (Joe) Bingley Memorial Foundation
Tommy’s Premature Baby Charity Tommy’s
Frequently Asked Questions: https://pregnancymentalhealth.net/frequently-asked-questions/
NHS Choices – pregnancy and mental health: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/mental-health-problems-pregnant.aspx
NHS Choices – post-natal depression: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Postnataldepression/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Mind information leaflet: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/
There are also services like:
Sands support – for anyone affected by the death of a baby http://www.sands.org.uk/
Miscarriage Association: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/
For men:
Calm Zone (specifically for men): https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/get-help/
Videos
“Be in your mate’s corner” video by Time to Change is here:
Responding with empathy: https://helpingyousparkle.com/2017/10/25/making-space-to-talk-responding-with-empathy-when-someones-struggling/
This is not an exhaustive list. Remember, always speak to your doctor or midwife, if you have concerns about your mental or physical health. Links to sites or services doesn’t mean we endorse their content, just that the information may be of interest.
Helping You Sparkle™ 