Improving my mental health

Self–help

There are lots of ways that you can help to improve your own mental wellbeing.

Self-help measures such as reading a self-help book or joining a support group are all worthwhile ways to help you overcome your problems and improve the way that you are feeling.

Click here to access a range of self-help guides offered by Talkworks.

If you are experiencing low mood, are struggling to cope, feel low, anxious or overwhelmed by how you are feeling then you can self-refer to your local service, click here to find out more.

If you think you need more help or have more complex mental health needs, you can make an appointment with your GP who can refer you to the appropriate service.

Online support

There are a number of useful websites which provide relevant practical information, suggestions and advice.

  • Living Life To The Full is a life skills course that aims to provide access to high quality, practical and user-friendly training in life skills. The course teaches you how to tackle and respond to issues/demands which we all meet in our everyday lives.
  • Mood Gym – learn cognitive behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression.
  • NHS website moodzone – up-to-date information from the NHS on conditions treatments, local services and healthy living.
  • University of Exeter: CBT Workbooks
  • Choice and Medication: DPT – Choice and Medication Leaflets are designed to help service users, carers and family members understand their medicines better, and to make more informed decisions, best as part of a discussion with a healthcare professional.
  • Cruse – Helping people through one of the most painful times in life – with bereavement support, information and campaigning.
  • Mental Health and Money – Clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money.
  • Workways – Workways offers support to people who as a consequence of their mental health are finding it difficult to find or stay in paid employment.
  • YSMART – We work with young people who experiment with drugs and alcohol; with those who have more complex needs and whose drug and alcohol use may be beginning to affect other parts of their lives; also with young people whose lives may be severely impacted and may need pharmacological interventions and support.
  • Intercom Trust – Intercom Trust is a community-led charity that aims to build a South West region where people are treated with respect, celebrated, and where vibrant LGBT+ communities live with real equality.

Apps

Chill Panda

FREE

Currently being tested by the NHS

Learn to relax, manage your worries and improve your wellbeing with Chill Panda. The app measures your heart rate and suggests tasks to suit your state of mind. Tasks include simple breathing techniques and light exercises to take your mind off your worries.

Catch it

FREE

Learn how to manage feelings like anxiety and depression with Catch It. The app will teach you how to look at problems in a different way, turn negative thoughts into positive ones and improve your mental wellbeing.