Mental Health Support : Minds Over Matter
Where to access mental health support
The hardest part is over, admitting that you might be out of your depth and could need help takes immense courage. It is important to remember that you’re not alone in your struggles. Your feelings are valid and you deserve support when you are not feeling well. We have laid out a few avenues for support here.
*The charity Mind offer a more detailed guide to taking the first steps, making empowered decisions and getting the right support for you. This can be found HERE.*
At School
There are a number of avenues at KBA which you might want to explore, such as
*avenues for support in school listed by member of staff*
+LGBTQ+ support group starting soon
Friends and Family
Close friends and friends, people you trust, can be an invaluable resource in helping you share your problems. Talking to them about your feeling could help ease the burden.
There are no right or wrong things to say but can feel difficult to know where to start, so here are some conversation starters to help …
'This is difficult for me to talk about but I need to tell you something.'
'I've got some things on my mind, can we talk sometime?'
'I've been feeling _____ lately, and I'm trying to tell you about it because ____'.
Practicing what you are going to say first can help you feel more confident, write it down, go over it in your head or practice in the mirror.
“I confided in a friend first – it was a huge relief to find out she sometimes experienced similar things and for the first time I felt I was understood.”
External Organisations
“Talking to an anonymous source first helped build confidence that what I was experiencing wasn’t abnormal.”
It can be daunting having to approach someone that you know and ask for help. Charities and mental health organisations offer phone and text services so you don’t have to overcome this hurdle.
The Mix
Phone 0808 808 4994, open 3pm – 11pm
Click here to see other services they offer like virtual 1-2-1 chat
The Mix is a dedicated service for under 25s. “[it] is the UK’s leading support service for young people. [they are there] to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to [them] via [their] online community, on social, through [their] free, confidential helpline (0808 808 4994) or our counselling service.”
Website : https://www.themix.org.uk/
Switchboard
Phone 0300 330 0630, open 10:00-22:00
Switchboard provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through Instant Messaging. They are a safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being. They support people to explore the right options for themselves.
Website : https://switchboard.lgbt/
NHS Northamptonshire mental health number
Phone 0800 448 0828, open 24/7
The mental health number has been designed to be the only number you need to call for mental health support in the county. When an individual calls, a trained member of staff will find the right support for the person, whether this is from the NHS; the voluntary and community sector; or advice over the telephone.
Anyone in Northamptonshire is welcome to call, whether they are receiving mental health treatment or not. Existing service users can use the number as an alternative way to contact the service already supporting them as well as a way of speaking to someone out of hours.
Shout (crisis text line)
Text “shout” to 85258
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. They specialise in helping people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support.
Website : https://giveusashout.org/
If you need help on talking to your GP click this link : Talking to your doctor - for young people
Talking is your most powerful weapon in safeguarding your mental wellbeing.
There is no shame in asking for a hand when you’re feeling unwell.