Where to turn when you can’t go on

It’s only recently that people have started to talk more openly about mental health, says GH’S Dr Sarah Jarvis

Support from high-profile figures has made a big difference. Last summer, Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge launched Heads Together (headstogether.org. uk), an initiative that aims to change the conversation on mental health and raise funds.

If you think you need help, the first port of call is your GP, who will assess you and provide advice and referrals. This could be a combination of one-to-one counselling, group therapy, online services or antidepressants, depending on the individual patient.

If you’re concerned about a loved one, try to persuade them to seek help. If they won’t do that and you are worried about a condition like dementia or schizophrenia, you can confide in a doctor. They will take patient confidentiality seriously but can give general advice. They can also take on board what you have said the next time they see the patient. Useful websites to consult: ❖ Patient (patient.info) has a host of information, videos from doctors and support material on a range of mental health problems, all written and peer reviewed by doctors. ❖ NHS Choices (nhs.uk) offers online support. Its Improving Access To Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service allows users to find local mental health professionals. ❖ The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (babcp.com) has a public section, with information on types of therapy and self-help, as well as a Find a Therapist service. ❖ Living Life To The Full (llttf.com) provides free online courses, designed to help individuals, giving them useful techniques to build their confidence and help them to tackle problems. ❖ Mind (mind.org.uk) offers practical advice and support, plus a confidential information line and support groups across the UK.