Mental health support

When you visit a sexual health service, talk to your GP or use an online health service like SH:24, you might be asked about your mood and mental health. If you’re feeling like you need more support, they can then help you access appropriate mental health services.

You might find it hard to talk about, or you might not want to talk to a clinician about it. So here are some ways of getting help with your mental health, if you need it now or want to be informed for the future.

NHS mental health support

If it's an emergency or you or someone you know needs urgent help, call 999 or go to A&E now.

has now added a specialised service to help people struggling with their mental health, people who are in crisis and people who want some advice for themselves or a loved one.

If you’re in England, call 111 and press 2 to get urgent help.

The number connects to a local team with mental health training, alongside nurses and clinicians. They are available 24/7.

The team can send out a crisis team, find help available in the local area, and also organise a mental health assessment.

They can also offer advice and guidance for people who may be concerned about their own mental health or their loved one’s.

If you're interested in talking therapy for common mental health problems like anxiety or depression, you can find an NHS talking therapy service near you.

Talk to your GP

Your GP is there to help you. They can talk to you about support services available, refer you for support, and if appropriate, prescribe you medications which could help you.

It's not always easy to start talking about your feelings. If you're not sure how to approach this with your GP, check out this advice from Mind: What should I say to my GP?

Support services

These charities and services offer information and support on mental health.

  • Samaritans Call 116 123 for free to talk to someone.

  • Mind Call 0300 102 1234 for the Mind support line.

  • Calm Call 0800 58 58 58 for the Calm suicide prevention hotline.

Services for young people

Written by
Helen Burkitt, Senior Sexual Health and Contraception Nurse
Last updated at: 10 September 2024
Published on: 09 September 2024