Wide range of mental health services available

People who struggled during the first few weeks of the year are being reassured that local help and support is available.

Winter is often a challenging time for many, with people’s moods and mental outlook impacted by a range of seasonal factors, including the come-down from the festive period, money worries and the combination of shorter days and longer nights.

Locally, there are a variety of free and confidential support services available for people experiencing short-term mental health issues, all of which can be accessed without an appointment.

The region’s three places of calm – Breathing Space in Bath, the Junction in Swindon and the Riverside Sanctuary in Salisbury – all offer non-clinical mental health advice, with each service available in-person and over the phone.

Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Lots of people find themselves feeling low during the long first month of any new year, with many who may have never previously experienced any kind of mental health issue suddenly struggling to cope.

“While it’s normal not to feel OK, people should be aware that ignoring symptoms of what could be poor mental health, such as irritability, difficulty sleeping and a change in appetite, will usually make the problem worse.

“Seeking support early on, whether that’s just chatting things through with a friend or loved on, or perhaps having a more formal conversation with a mental health professional, can prevent something manageable from developing into a more serious problem.

“Help is out there, and it’s easy to find too, especially when using NHS 111 online, as it can direct people to their nearest support service, which may be in-person or over the phone, in literally a matter of seconds.”

Contact details for the three places of calm are listed on the ICB website at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.