Looking after your mental health

Many people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and scared at the moment. While that’s understandable, you might need help to deal with the way you’re feeling. We know there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to helping you through the coming weeks and months. However, we’ve compiled a list of services and tips aimed at helping people in different situations.  

Accessing mental health support

If you’re feeling anxious and/or worried about your mental health, call your GP. If you prefer, you can find help on the iCope website where there is a page with suggestions on how to keep as psychologically well as possible. iCope is offering 30 minute telephone appointments during which people can access practical support and helpful information.  To access this you can refer yourself via the website or by calling 020 3317 6670.  

Mental health support for young people

If you’re aged between 11 and 18, or a child in your care is, Kooth offers free, safe and anonymous online wellbeing and mental health support. Young people who live in Camden can sign up now for confidential support through a text-based conversation with a qualified counsellor.

Young people of all ages can also access support from Childline, which has created a dedicated page with information for children and young people about coronavirus. The page includes information about: what coronavirus is, where children and young people can find help if they are worried, coping if they are staying at home and what to do if they are feeling unwell. Alternatively, young people can speak to a Childline counsellor online or by calling 0800 1111.

For further information or advice, this blog, published on the Camden Rise website, brings together the best resources to help young people stay happy and healthy during the coronavirus emergency.

Getting help if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis

The word “crisis” can be used to describe many different situations. In mental health, the term “crisis” usually suggests that someone may need urgent help to support them with mental health problems. For example, you might have feelings or experiences that feel very painful or difficult to manage such as suicidal feelings, self-harm, panic attacks, flashbacks, hypomania or mania, or psychosis (such as paranoia or hearing voices). You might also have other experiences that aren't mentioned here. 
 
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical health emergency. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and you don’t feel like you can keep yourself safe right now, seek urgent specialist mental health support through one of the following routes: 

1. Phone the 24-hour crisis line on 020 3317 6333 to access specialist support.  

• You may be directed to attend the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Centre at St Pancras Hospital, which is providing an alternative to people in mental health crisis needing to attend A&E departments.
• You may be supported further by the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment service.

2. If it is an emergency and cannot wait, you should call 999  

You can also contact your local GP surgery and ask for an emergency appointment. You don’t need to be registered as a patient already.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can also: 

• Call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 – they're always open and are there to listen. You can also send an email to jo@samaritans.org and can expect a response within 24 hours. 
• Contact the North Central London suicide prevention helpline: www.rethink.org/ncl-suicide. From the 22 April the Helpline will be open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6pm-8pm and Sunday from 6pm-9pm. Call 08088 02 00 80 for free, send a text message to 07860 058 793 or you can use the web chat function on the website. You’ll be provided with:
  - Up to 30 minutes of telephone support per evening 
  - Up to 30 minutes of web chat support per evening 
  - Text message support for the duration of the opening hours each evening 
• The Stay Alive App can be used to help manage suicidal thoughts. It provides information and tools to help you stay safe in a crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. It is available for free download on all smart phones here 

Mental health organisations

Below is a list of local and national mental health organisations that you can visit to find out more information for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health problem: 

• Mind in Camden: Coronavirus and your wellbeing
• Camden iCope: COVID-19 useful advice and suggestions
• Age UK Camden: Feeling anxious about coronavirus
• Young Minds: What do if you’re anxious about coronavirus
• Mental Health Camden: Coronavirus and your wellbeing
• Mental Health Foundation: Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
• Mental Health Foundation: Getting help
• Good Thinking: This is an NHS-approved digital mental wellbeing self-assessment tool that provides personalised recommendations
• Camden Rise: Useful resources to help young people to stay connected, healthy and safe
• Shout is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone feeling anxious, worried, isolated, lonely or for anyone needing support. Text Shout to 85258 to start a conversation - it is a free service.