Support, at your own pace
Choosing a first support step
There is no single right order. You could start by talking with people who understand similar experiences, speak with a health professional, or explore both. The first step can simply be the one that feels possible today.
Peer support: shared experience
Peer support brings people with similar experiences together to listen, share ideas and feel understood. You can take time to see whether a group suits you; you do not have to share more than you want. Mind: peer support groups (opens in a new tab)
A peer group offers connection and shared experience. It has a different role from clinical care, so it is not the route for an assessment or urgent help. Mind: peer support groups (opens in a new tab) · Read NHS urgent mental health guidance (opens in a new tab)
Professional care: clinical support
A GP can talk through what is going on and help you find appropriate services. In England, many adults can also refer themselves to NHS Talking Therapies for common difficulties such as anxiety or depression. Access routes vary across the UK, so check the service for your nation. NHS: accessing mental health services (opens in a new tab)
This route may feel useful if you want help understanding your options, discussing treatment or finding more specialist support. You do not need to have the perfect words ready before asking for help. Mind: choosing where to start (opens in a new tab) · NHS: accessing mental health services (opens in a new tab)
You can use both
These routes do not cancel each other out. A peer group can sit alongside more formal treatment, such as therapy or medication. You can try one first, combine them, or change direction if something does not feel right for you. Mind: peer support groups (opens in a new tab) · Mind: choosing where to start (opens in a new tab)
Let urgency guide the next step
If someone’s life is at risk, or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E now. Read NHS urgent mental health guidance (opens in a new tab)
If you need urgent mental health advice but there is no immediate danger, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option in England. The supplied guidance does not confirm an NHS urgent contact route for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS: call 111 and select option 2 (opens in a new tab) · Transformation Partners: urgent mental health support in England (opens in a new tab)
Sources and further reading
- Mind: choosing where to start (opens in a new tab)
- Mind: peer support groups (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: accessing mental health services (opens in a new tab)
- Read NHS urgent mental health guidance (opens in a new tab)
- Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS: call 111 and select option 2 (opens in a new tab)
- Transformation Partners: urgent mental health support in England (opens in a new tab)
- Samaritans: what to expect when you talk to us (opens in a new tab)
- Samaritans: visit us in branch (opens in a new tab)