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To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2024, local NHS mental health services are encouraging people to act and seek support for their mental health.

The day offers a chance for us to reflect on our mental health and explore ways to support ourselves and one another. In collaboration with our Herefordshire and Worcestershire NHS Talking Therapies Service, we’ve put together an insightful Q&A so you can find out how to get help in a way that works for you.

Where can I go if I need urgent advice and support now?
If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can now contact the Herefordshire and Worcestershire 24-hour urgent mental health helpline by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option. You can call for yourself, or someone else, and NHS 111 is for all ages. There’s lots of help available at: www.hacw.nhs.uk/urgent-help.

Where can I go for general advice on looking after my wellbeing?
If you're looking for ways to maintain your wellbeing, there’s lots of information available on the NHS Every Mind Matters website: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/. It includes things like self-help CBT techniques, a quiz, tips, and support to help boost your mental wellbeing. Local support links are also available on our website at: www.hacw.nhs.uk/.

Where can I go if I’ve been struggling and have been for a couple of weeks?
If you're experiencing feelings of low mood, stress, anxiety or depression, and it's starting to impact your every day, our NHS Talking Therapies Service can help. Also, don’t forget to check in on those close to you and seek support from them as well; sharing your feelings can really help.

What is Talking Therapies?
Herefordshire and Worcestershire NHS Talking Therapies provides a range of free, confidential psychological therapies which have proven effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression. This includes online therapy, groups and courses, and 1:1 therapy.

Who is eligible for NHS Talking Therapies and how can someone access the service?
Herefordshire and Worcestershire NHS Talking Therapies offers treatment to individuals experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, aged 16 or over with a GP registered in Herefordshire or Worcestershire. You can refer yourself by completing a referral form on our website at www.talkingtherapies.hwhct.nhs.uk, or calling us on 0300 013 57 27.  You can also talk to your GP who can also complete a referral on your behalf.

What types of mental health issues do you help people manage?
The treatment options offered by NHS Talking Therapies can help with a range of commonly experienced problems like anxiety and depression, including phobias, panic attacks and agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, generalised anxiety, health anxiety, body dysmorphia and post-traumatic stress disorder. We can also help to support you to cope with the psychological impact of long-term health conditions like diabetes.

Why is it important for people to seek help early when dealing with mental health issues?
Left untreated, mental health issues can significantly impact upon your wellbeing and quality of life. The earlier you seek treatment, the sooner you can learn to manage symptoms, overcome challenges, and lead a productive and meaningful life.  

Why is raising awareness about mental health so important, especially now?
The stigma of mental illness can often lead to people feeling ashamed or excluded. Stigma usually comes from not understanding mental illness. Talking openly about mental health can reduce the misconceptions and stigma and can enable people to feel more empowered to access treatment and talk without shame about their experiences.  

What can people expect from their first session?
All of our staff within Herefordshire and Worcestershire NHS Talking Therapies know that asking for help about your mental health is not easy. Our compassionate and non-judgemental staff are here to make that first step as comfortable as possible. Once we receive your referral, you’ll be offered a choice of assessment times with one of our practitioners. During this assessment, the practitioner will help you understand what sort of treatment would be recommended for the particular problem you are facing. If multiple suitable treatments are available, we will discuss the options with you to find the best fit.  

What is unique about this service?
The treatments offered within NHS Talking Therapies have been shown by research as being the most effective treatments available for anxiety and depression. All the clinicians in the service have completed specific training in evidence based psychological therapies.

How does the service work with other healthcare providers to give holistic support to patients?
Each of our teams in the Talking Therapies Service includes employment advisors, as we recognise the strong link between employment and mental health. The employment advisers can offer support alongside therapy to help you address work related issues, such as writing a CV, preparing for interviews, or exploring career options. Research shows that accessing this type of support alongside NHS talking therapy treatment can improve symptoms of anxiety and low mood.

Remember, there is no shame in seeking help. If anxiety or depression are affecting your ability to live a fulfilling life, a wide range of support is available to assist you. Reach out and take the first step towards better mental health today by visiting our website: www.talkingtherapies.hwhct.nhs.uk/home.

 

Notes to editor:
This article is produced by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, who provide a range of physical and mental health services to patients across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, from community hospitals, mental health recovery units and within patients’ homes.