People living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire who find the sometimes-overwhelming nature of the festive season hard to bear are being reassured that rapid help is available, and it’s only a telephone call away.
For many, the Christmas and New Year period can be difficult, with feelings of stress, loneliness and grief, as well as many others, becoming harder and harder to ignore.
With this in mind, the local NHS is encouraging any person who finds themselves struggling mentally over the festive season to reach out for help at the earliest opportunity, as finding support sooner rather than later can usually prevent problems from snowballing.
NHS 111, the telephone-based service that can support people to manage minor illness and injury at home, is able to help with mental health too.
By selecting option two after connecting to the 111 service, callers will be able to hear details of the support options available in their local area and, in some cases, get put through directly to a trained mental health professional.
Mathew Page, Chief Operating Officer, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Christmas can be really challenging for lots of us, and it is important that we know where to go and what’s available if we need help, advice or support.”
“In addition to 111, our talking therapy service provides free, confidential support to help manage a range of common mental health problems including anxiety, stress, depression and low mood.
“The service is for adults aged 16 and over who live in and are registered with a GP in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.
“People can self-refer to the service, and we will aim to arrange an initial conversation within just a few weeks.”
To access talking therapy, or to find out more information, call 01380 715150 or visit www.awp.nhs.uk/talkingtherapies.
Children under the age of 19 can also receive mental help advice and support over the phone by calling Childline on 0800 1111.
Completely free and confidential, Childline is also available online at www.childline.org.uk, with the service able to put young people in direct contact with trained counsellors, who can listen to concerns and suggest possible ways to overcome challenges.
As is the case with physical health, any person suffering from a mental health emergency should not put off calling 999 or visiting the nearest hospital emergency department.
More information on how to maintain good mental health during Christmas, new year and the wider winter season can be found at www.bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth.
