Advice and support

If you are experiencing mental health problems, the first place to get help is your GP, who may refer you to one of our services.

For some services, you can refer yourself, or be referred by a friend or relative. Search our service directory for details of services offered in your area, and how to access them.

Here you can find advice and support for:

• service users
• carers and families of people with mental health issues.

Plus information about:

• conditions, treatments and therapies
• what happens when you are referred to us.

You can also download leaflets and support packs from the Publications section of our website.

Useful websites

www.choiceandmedication.org/swlstg-tr 
This website provides information about mental health conditions, treatments, medicines and side-effects. It is supported by the United Kingdom Psychiatric Pharmacy Group.

The Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation is a major mental health charity with an extensive list of information leaflets on depression and other common mental health problems.

MIND
MIND is the major mental health charity in the UK. It provides easily downloadable information on a wide range of mental health problems, including depression. Local services tend to cater for those with longer term mental health problems.

NICE
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health, and the prevention and treatment of ill health. It has produced guidelines on a wide range of mental health problems.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The website provides information on a wide range of mental health problems and their treatment. Many of its can be downloaded in other languages.