Concerned about a loved one's mental health? Contact a hotline in England for guidance.
It's normal to be concerned when it seems like someone you care about is not acting like their usual self. You may wonder whether they are struggling with their mental health. 8 helplines are available in England to offer you support and advice. Feel free to reach out if these signs seem familiar:
They are easily startled.
They are not doing activities that they used to do before.
They have harmed themselves.
They have told you that they are having trouble sleeping.
They seem to believe things that seem very strange or frightening to you.
They don’t seem to be keeping up with their daily responsibilities.
They seem secretive, like they're hiding something.
They have become highly self-critical.
You may be unsure of how to support a loved one who is emotionally distressed. It can make you feel helpless to watch someone you care about suffer. There are ways you can be there for your loved one that are simple yet powerful.
If you contact a hotline in England, you'll be connected to a knowledgeable volunteer, peer or counselor who can help. They can talk you through different ways of supporting a loved one and provide you with referrals if needed. They can also help you find ways to cope with your own distress.