HealthAnswers

Mental health

Mental health information and support

Clear, jargon-free guidance on common mental health conditions, the therapies that help, and how to get support in the UK — all aligned with NHS guidance. If you are struggling right now, you are not alone, and help is available today.

Need help now?

If your life or someone else's is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent help at any time, these services are free and open 24/7:

  • Samaritans — call 116 123 (free, 24/7)
  • SHOUT — text SHOUT to 85258 for crisis support by text
  • NHS 111 — call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent NHS support

You do not have to be in crisis to reach out — these lines are for anyone struggling to cope.

Mental health conditions

Plain-English guides, written for the UK and reviewed against NHS guidance.

Anxiety Anxiety is your body's alarm system stuck on high. Learn what drives it, which treatments work, and how to get NHS help fast. Reviewed by UK doctors. Social anxiety A plain-English guide to social anxiety disorder — symptoms, what helps, and the therapies and support available on the NHS. Panic attacks What panic attacks feel like, why they happen, how to manage them, and when to see a GP. Depression Depression is more than low mood — and treatment works. Spot the signs, what the NHS offers, and when to get urgent help. Reviewed by UK doctors. Postnatal depression Postnatal depression — symptoms beyond baby blues, difference from postpartum psychosis, NHS talking therapies and safe antidepressants when breastfeeding. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Seasonal affective disorder — winter depression symptoms, light therapy, NHS talking therapies, and self-help for low mood during darker months. Stress A plain-English guide to stress and burnout — the warning signs, how to reduce stress, and when to get help in the UK. Grief and bereavement A plain-English guide to grief after losing someone — or a pet — what to expect, what helps, and where to find bereavement support in the UK. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) PTSD — flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance after trauma; NHS treatments including trauma-focused CBT and EMDR. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) OCD explained — obsessions, compulsions, how it differs from perfectionism, and NHS treatments including CBT and SSRIs. Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder — manic and depressive episodes, types, NHS treatment with mood stabilisers, and when to seek urgent help. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) A plain-English guide to borderline personality disorder (BPD) — symptoms, causes, and the talking therapies that help, on the NHS. ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) ADHD affects focus, impulsivity and organisation in children and adults. How UK assessment works and what helps meanwhile. Reviewed by UK doctors. Autism Autism spectrum disorder — signs in children and adults, assessment pathway on the NHS, and support for communication and sensory needs. Schizophrenia Schizophrenia — psychosis symptoms, early warning signs, NHS treatment with antipsychotics and talking therapies, and crisis support. Eating disorders Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder — symptoms, health risks, and NHS treatment including talking therapies and specialist services. Insomnia A plain-English guide to insomnia — why sleep goes wrong, what helps, and when to see a GP.

Getting help and treatment

Talking therapies and how to find a therapist NHS talking therapies explained — CBT, counselling and EMDR, how to self-refer for free, and how to find a registered therapist near you in the UK. Antidepressants Antidepressants are medicines that treat moderate to severe depression and some anxiety disorders by balancing brain chemicals over several weeks. Sertraline NHS guide to sertraline — uses, dose, side effects and stopping safely. Citalopram Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety disorders, with a lower maximum dose in older adults due to a heart rhythm risk. Fluoxetine Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a long-acting SSRI antidepressant used for depression, bulimia and some anxiety disorders, with a slower withdrawal profile. Diazepam Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used short-term for severe anxiety, muscle spasm and seizures, with dependence risk if used beyond a few weeks. Propranolol Propranolol is a beta-blocker that eases anxiety symptoms, prevents migraines, and treats heart conditions such as high blood pressure and angina.
Refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies How to find a therapist

Check how you're feeling

Not sure whether what you are feeling needs support? Free, validated self-checks — such as the NHS mood self-assessment — can help you put words to how you feel. They are not a diagnosis, but they are a useful starting point. If you are worried, see a GP or refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies.

NHS mental health self-assessment and self-help tools →

Looking after your wellbeing

Looking after your mental health is something everyone can do. Staying active, sleeping well, connecting with people, getting outdoors, and making time for mindfulness or things you enjoy all make a real difference. The NHS Every Mind Matters service offers free tools to build a simple plan that works for you.

NHS Every Mind Matters →

Mental health — common questions

What should I do in a mental health crisis?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health support at any time, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to be suicidal to reach out — help is for anyone struggling to cope.
How do I find a mental health helpline?
Free UK helplines include Samaritans (116 123) for anyone in distress, SHOUT (text 85258) for crisis support by text, Papyrus HOPELINE247 (0800 068 4141) for under-35s with suicidal thoughts, and CALM (0800 58 58 58). The Hub of Hope directory lets you search for local and national support by postcode and by issue.
How do I get mental health support on the NHS?
In England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) for free, without seeing a GP — search "NHS talking therapies" or visit nhs.uk/talk. A GP can also help, discuss medication, and refer you to specialist mental health services. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, talking therapies are usually accessed through a GP.
How do I know if I need therapy?
It may be time to seek help if difficult feelings are persistent, are affecting your work, sleep, relationships or daily life, or if you are using alcohol or other things to cope. You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from talking therapy. If you are unsure, refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies or speak to a GP.
Is there a free depression or anxiety test?
There are validated self-check questionnaires — the PHQ-9 for depression and the GAD-7 for anxiety — and the NHS offers a free mood self-assessment online. These can help you describe how you feel, but they are not a diagnosis. If your score is high, or you are worried, see a GP or refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies.
How can I look after my mental health day to day?
Small, regular habits help most — staying physically active, keeping a sleep routine, connecting with others, getting outdoors, and limiting alcohol and caffeine. Mindfulness, breathing exercises and making time for things you enjoy all support wellbeing. The NHS Every Mind Matters service has free, practical tools to build a personal plan.

UK mental health helplines

HealthAnswers provides information, not a crisis or counselling service. The organisations above are independent; please contact them directly for support.