The NHS is encouraging anyone struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety to seek help through the free, confidential service: NHS Talking Therapies.
“I didn’t think it was for me, but I was supported to face the stuff that made me uncomfortable and I feel better now.”
Talking therapies are delivered by trained clinicians, online, on the phone, or in person. They can help provide responsive, evidence-based interventions and support for common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, nightmares, panic attacks and obsessive thoughts.
Your GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself; you do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to do this. These services are available in all North West London boroughs, so you can find services near you.
Talking therapies are provided by two of our Trusts in North West London: West London NHS Trust and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. To find out more and access the right service for you, visit www.nhstalk2us.org/
More than two thirds of people who accessed help for their anxiety and depression saw an improvement in their mental health. This is what some of our residents have said about the Talking Therapies service:
“When I first started I felt that it might not be the right thing for me and for what I was going through. I decided to listen to the professionals and went with it. I was supported to face the stuff that made me uncomfortable and I feel better now.”
“I was offered different tools to work with that helped with managing a stressful situation. I managed to take the concepts and tools and can use them in my daily life.”
“I feel more hopeful, having this service meant that I feel I'm not alone and my mental health matters.”
Mental health support should be accessible for everyone. For those whose first language is not English, talking therapies can be delivered through multi-lingual therapists or through confidential interpreters, and in British Sign Language (BSL) through SignHealth’s NHS Therapies for Deaf People service.
For more information, or to refer yourself online, visit https://www.nhstalk2us.org/
You can find out more about mental health services in NW London here.