Find mental health support

Not only will your GP be familiar with your medical history, but they will be able to direct you to the appropriate treatment. Don’t feel worried about going: your GP is there to help with your mental as well as your physical health.

As Dr Michael Apple, a GP, says, "Every doctor sees up to four or five people a day who are feeling anxious, depressed or are having problems coping and want someone to talk to."

In order to help, your GP will try to find out what’s bothering you. It could be anything from work stress and anxiety to relationship problems, poor housing or living with a chronic illness.

The first step may be practical, such as referring you to the Citizens Advice Bureau or another organisation that can help with problems such as re-housing or daycare for isolated elderly relatives. But there are also a number of options available, which your GP can discuss with you.

Talking therapies
Anyone can ask their GP for talking therapy. Exactly what kind of therapy you will be referred to will depend on what the problem is. See A guide to talking therapies for more information.

Medicines
If you and your GP agree that you would benefit from medication, there are various options that can help with conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, mania and other mental health problems. "You might be offered a modern antidepressant, if it seems appropriate," says Dr Apple. "But this depends on what the problem is."

Specialist care
More serious mental health problems such as manic depression and schizophrenia require specialist care, and you will be referred to a psychiatrist at the local hospital and/or the local community mental health team.

Treatment may involve a combination of medication, talking therapies and 24-hour support if necessary, which may take place at home or in hospital.

Specialists can refer you to employment and training schemes that support mental health needs at the same time as providing work and education. They can also offer help in the community through crisis resolution teams, who you can call in an emergency.

Emergencies
In an emergency, if your GP surgery is closed, go to a hospital’s A&E desk and ask to see the psychiatrist on duty. You can also call NHS Direct 24 hours a day, on 0845 4647.