Support
We all have feelings. And they’re with us constantly.
We’re talking the WHOLE RAINBOW of human emotions: the good, the bad and the scary!
Thing is, we live in a world that values ‘positive’ emotions over ‘negative’ ones. But it’s completely NORMAL to feel things like sadness, anger, fear, frustration, grief. Those feelings show up for good reason: to tell us something. So, we shouldn’t be so quick to try to push them away or bury them. It’s perfectly OK (no, it’s perfectly necessary!) to take some time out to sit with the emotion for a bit and then, when you’re ready, start moving towards a better feeling.
BUT if you’re ever feeling low and you suspect it might be more than an ‘off’ moment, our TOP TIP is to... TALK TO SOMEONE.
You NEVER have to face a difficult feeling alone. Just speaking about it out loud, to another pair of ears, has an astonishing healing effect.
Here’s a list of amazing people, text, phone and email services who’ve got your back. Their job is to listen, offer advice and help you feel like YOU again. No lectures, no judgment… just a whole lotta love and support:
Your GP
You can always talk to your GP in total confidence about anything that’s troubling you. They’ll offer professional advice and, if needed, talk you through the options of support services in your local area.
School, College, University Student Support Services
Most places of education will have a member of staff in charge of safeguarding or wellbeing. They’ll be able to help you find the support that’s right for you.
Beat
www.beateatingdisorders.org.ukBeat is the UK’s eating disorder charity, and they can be contacted by phone or online, 365 days a year. They’re there to listen, help people understand the illness, and encourage and empower sufferers towards recovery as soon as possible. They also support family and friends; giving them the skills and advice they need to help their loved ones recover, whilst looking after their own mental health at the same time.
The Beat Youthline is open to anyone under 18:
0808 801 0711 fyp@beateatingdisorders.org.ukThe Beat Adult Helpline is open to anyone over 18, including parents, teachers or any other adults with concerns:
0808 801 0677 help@beateatingdisorders.org.ukYou can also access the chat room and support groups on their website.
Childline
www.childline.org.ukChildline is a free, confidential service, and it’s there for anyone in the UK under the age of 19. You can get in touch with any issue- big or small- and speak to one of their dedicated counsellors by phone:
0800 1111or by creating an online account and sending them an email from your ‘locker’. For children outside of the UK, there’s a Child Helpline International page on their website, linking to information for other helpline services across the world.
Mental Health Mates
www.mentalhealthmates.co.ukMental Health Mates is a network of people with mental health challenges, who meet regularly to walk, exercise and share without fear or judgement. You don’t have to have a diagnosed mental health issue to join their meet-ups – their ethos is; “everyone has mental health and we are here for everyone”. You can contact them via the form on their website and/or subscribe to their newsletter to keep up to date with upcoming news and events.
Shout
giveusashout.orgShout is the UK’s first free 24/7 direct messaging service for anyone in a crisis. It’s somewhere to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. They “take people from crisis to calm every single day”.
Text 85258The Mix
www.themix.org.ukThe Mix is a support service to help young people, under the age of 25, take on any challenge they may be facing- from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. You can reach them via:
Their online group chats and discussion boards on their website. Social media, using the links on their website
Their free, confidential helpline, open from 4pm to 11pm, 7 days a week:
0808 808 4994The webchat counselling service on their website from 4pm to 11pm, 7 days a week
Email, using the form on their website
Their crisis messenger service for free, 24/7 support
Text THEMIX to 85258Young Minds
www.youngminds.org.ukIs dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of young people. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, you can access 24/7 support from the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger service
Text YM to 85258If you’re a parent/carer and need advice about a young person in your care, you can call the Parent helpline:
0808 802 5544Youth Access
www.youthaccess.org.ukIs the national organisation for young people’s information, advice, counselling and support services (YIACS). You can visit their site and search your town or postcode to find free and confidential services in your area.