Mental Health - where to go if there’s a problem

The first stop should be your GP, who will not only be familiar with your medical history, but will also be able to direct you to the appropriate treatment.

Don't feel worried about going. Your GP is there to help with your mental health as well as your physical health and every day will see people who are feeling anxious, depressed or are having problems coping and want someone to talk to.In order to help, your GP will try to find out what's bothering you. It could be anything from work stress and anxiety to relationship problems, poor housing or living with a chronic illness.

The first step may be referring you to a local organisation that can help with your practical problems. However, your GP may decide that you need more specialist help and refer you to South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust

What support is available?

There are a number of different ways that you can be supported.Please note that some of these therapies may be available under the NHS and some may only be available privately.

Talking therapies

Anyone can ask their GP for talking therapy. Exactly what kind of therapy you will be referred to will depend on what the problem is but it may include Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, Psychiatry or family, couples or group therapy.

Medicines

If you and your GP agree that you would benefit from medication, there are various options that can help with conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, mania and other mental health problems.

Specialist care

More serious mental health problems such as manic depression, also called bi-polar disorder, and schizophrenia require specialist care, and you will be referred to a psychiatrist at South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, talking therapies and 24-hour support if necessary, which may take place at home or in hospital.

Other support

Your GP or specialist services can refer you to Imagine, the vocational support service for mental health. Imagine offers support with maintaining or seeking employment, voluntary work, education or training for people with a mental health problem.

Special services can also offer help in the community through crisis resolution teams, who you can call in an emergency.

View information about services in the community

Who to contact

We do strongly recommend that you go to your GP who may then decide to refer you on to more specialist services.

You can also contact Richmond Borough Mind for support, advice and low cost, confidential counselling. Visit their website at www.rbmind.org, phone 020 3513 3404 or email info@rbmmind.org

In an emergency, if your GP surgery is closed, go to the Accident & Emergency Department at Kingston Hospital or West Middlesex University Hospital and explain your difficulty. You can also call NHS Direct 24 hours a day on 0845 4647