Mental Health
Last Updated: Tuesday, 20 August 2024Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK experience difficulties with their mental health at some point in their lives which can affect their daily life, relationships or physical health.
Poor mental health can take many different forms and affect people in different ways. Schizophrenia, depression and personality disorders are all examples of mental health problems, with diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia generally developing in older age.
How we will help you manage your mental health
If you experience a new or first episode of depression, one of our GPs will contact you to see how you are getting on.
If you have a diagnosis of a more serious mental health condition such as psychosis or manic episode; schizophrenia; bipolar or paranoid disorder, we will invite you to attend the surgery for an annual physical health check. This is an opportunity to ensure you are getting the best care you need and to stay healthy. It also gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns that you might have regarding your health. You will be seen by our Health Care Assistant who will take your blood pressure, height and weight and ask you a few questions about your lifestyle. We will also provide you with a request form for you to have your bloods taken.
One of our GPs will work with you to put together your own individual care plan to help manage your mental health in a way that works best for you.
There is a wealth of support and resources available to help you manage your mental health, many of which are local services and initiatives.
You can subscribe to wellbeing podcasts on the Mental Health Foundation website.
If you feel in need of urgent mental health support, freephone telephone support is available 24/7. For anyone aged 16 and over ring the crisis helpline on 0800 145 6570. The crisis helpline number for the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service for those aged under 18 is 0808 196 3550.
Talking Therapies is a local service providing psychological treatments, sometimes called talking therapy, to help people with common mental health problems such as feeling stressed, feeling low in mood (depressed) or very nervous (anxiety).
For details on specific services for children and young people, visit our page dedicated to children and young people.