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Everyone talks about the importance of mental health but what actually is it?
Mental health affects how we think, feel and act. It can also affect how we handle stress and make choices. It's World Mental Health Day on 10 October so now is a great chance to see the wide range of support options available to you in Surrey.
The COVID-19 pandemic has already and will continue to impact our lives. People may be feeling worried or anxious about finances, health and those close to them, while some may feel isolated and lonely.
It's important to remember that it's okay to feel the way you do and that everyone reacts differently. But no matter what your state of mind, there's information, support and services to help you.
Self-help tools
Free tools to help you manage your mood and improve your wellbeing:
- Every Mind Matters – a free online NHS approved tool to discover simple steps to look after your mental health and wellbeing and create your own action plan.
- Wheel of Well-being – six simple steps you can incorporate into your day to improve your mood and reduce stress.
- First Steps booklet – a range of advice, information and self-help techniques that we can all use to help support our emotional and mental wellbeing
Local services
Free services you can access and refer yourself to for support with your emotional and mental wellbeing.
- Virtual Wellbeing Hub – access a range of sessions and online activities virtually from the comfort of your own home, including virtual coffee mornings and tailored exercise classes.
- Talking Therapies – a choice of free NHS services offering the opportunity to talk to a qualified mental health specialist about problems you may be experiencing which includes stress, low mood, anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Please note, due to Covid-19 face-to-face appointments have temporarily stopped and are now being provided virtually online, by phone or video.
- Woking Mind – provides advice, support and training to empower individuals and organisations to help promote and manage good mental health and wellbeing for all.
Crisis
Someone who may be experiencing suicidal feelings, self-harming behaviour, extreme anxiety or panic attacks, can get support from:
- Surrey mental health crisis helpline – Call 0800 915 4644 (24 hours, 7 days a week). (People with speech or hearing difficulties can access the service by Textphone: 18001 0800 915 4644 or SMS/text: 07717 989024)
- Safe Havens – Provide face to face and virtual out of hours help and support to people and their carers who are experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress
For more information on what support and services could help your mental health, visit the Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing page on the Healthy Surrey website.