Support for those already living with an existing mental health problem

Finding support for you

Here are some sources of support and some useful ways to get support if you are finding it hard.

For those of us already living with an existing mental health problem, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who are finding things hard emotionally right now, you’re not alone.

• If you have an assigned care team or care worker, then it’s important to contact them if you need to talk to someone existing mental health condition.
• Mind has a huge range of helpful guidance, tips and advice for to help you cope.
• Our Time helps children affected by parental mental illness. Their animation aims to help start a conversation with a child about what mental health is, how people are affected by it, and what they can do to look after themselves.
• Good Thinking, London’s digital wellbeing services, has a range of evidence-based information sheets and workbooks on mental wellbeing by the renowned Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) on topics such as anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. You can view, download and share this content and go through it in your own time.
• If you’re feeling anxious or stressed about financial difficulties, then explore the helpful range of resources and guidance on City Hall’s Help with the cost of living hub.

Other resources to help you

Dealing with difficult emotions can be challenging but help and support is available.

In London, there are a range of free resources, online tools, and helplines available to help you deal with the uncertainty and stay mentally healthy.

Digital resources available now

Good Thinking is a digital mental wellbeing service that has over 100 free, NHS-approved resources designed to help those dealing with anxiety, low mood, poor sleep or stress. Take the clinically validated self-assessment to get a better understand of what you’re going through, helpful resources and if necessary, relevant treatment options.

To help build resilience and maintain good mental wellbeing, Every Mind Matters has a range of resources for everyone at Including an interactive quiz, the Your Mind Plan, to get top tips and advice relevant for you.

NHS psychological treatments

If you do not require urgent support but are still concerned about your mental health, contacting your GP is a good place to start.

You can also refer yourself for free, non-urgent NHS talking therapy services, also known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services, which provide evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety. In London, services are ready and open to receive self-referrals for those needing professional support.

Helplines

Or you may feel more comfortable talking to someone you don’t know by using one of the following helplines:

• If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs urgent assistance, advice or support, contact your local 24/7 NHS mental health helpline.
• Shout is the UK ‘s first 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in crisis. Text Shout at any time to 85258 to start a conversation.
• Samaritans’ free, 24-hour listening service on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.