Mental health support and advice
Includes information about mental health issues - like depression, anxiety, or what to do in an emergency.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency situation you should call 999. This may differ from being in a mental health crisis which is described below.
What is a mental health crisis?
The word “crisis” can be used to describe many different situations. In mental health, the term “crisis” usually suggests that someone may need urgent help to support them with mental health problems. - It is important to distinguish crisis support from emergency support. In an emergency, someone’s life might be in danger and you should call 999.
The mental health crisis team in Islington is open 24/7 for anyone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. If you think that you are having a crisis and are already supported by the mental health services in Camden and Islington Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust you should speak to the team supporting you, if it is within office hours. If you are in crisis and don’t already have support from the mental health services you can contact the crisis team.
The crisis team can be contacted at any time on 020 3317 6333.
More information about the Mental Health crisis team.
Signs you might need mental health support
The exact symptoms of poor mental health vary, but they can include:
- feeling sad or low and/or worried.
- extreme mood changes
- delusions or hallucinations
- changes in eating habits, sleep or sex drive
- suicidal thoughts or wanting to harm yourself
You can get support today if you or someone you know is living with mental health difficulties.
Find information, support and advice about mental health on the NHS Moodzone website
What to do if you need mental health support
If you feel you’re having mental or emotional difficulties, there’s lots of support out there for you.
Speak to your GP
The first thing to do is speak to your doctor. They will be able to talk to you and help you find the right support.
Find your nearest GP on the NHS website
Mental health support online
ICope is a local NHS service who have specialists to support you with
- assessments
- talking therapy
- advice
Find out more on the iCope website
Get support on the phone
For non-emergency advice and health questions, you can phone NHS for free on 111
Mental health emergency
If you or someone you know is in immediate risk of physical harm because of a mental health phone 999
Or you can get support at:
- speak to someone in the 24-hour crisis team on 020 3317 6333
- visit your local A&E
- if you're having suicidal thoughts, contact Maytree phone 020 7263 7070
Mental health services you can contact
You may find useful information about keeping mentally and physically well on NHS live well pages. You can look for things to do or for support groups in the pages of the Islington Directory or visit community resources or Camden and Islington mental health resource directory. For general advice and support with feeling low please see the NHS Moodzone - help with anxiety and depression
You can also find great advice and speak to someone about mental health at one of these national organisations.
- Age UK Islington offers practical support for people aged 50 and over
- Anxiety UK can help if you are feeling anxious, they have online support groups and access to webinars
- Body and Soul offer support and coping strategies to young people and crisis support for frontline NHS staff
- Citizens Advice Islington can help you if you are struggling and need practical advice
- Good Thinking is an NHS approved service promoting proactive self-care for anxiety, low mood, sleeping difficulties and stress. Use the self-assessment tool for personalised recommendations
- The government's website has a guide to how you can help your mental health and wellbeing and information on where to get further support
- Help on Your Doorstep work throughout Islington to offer support and referrals for a wide range of issues
- The Mental Health Foundation has information about looking after your mental health
- Mind have tips on how to stay well if you’re self-isolating at home
- For anxiety problems contact No Panic 0844 967 4848
- The NHS website Every Mind Matters has advice and tips for looking after your mental health; they also offer 10-minute exercises and recipes and indoor activities for kids at Change 4 Life
- Samaritans is a confidential free service open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for people in crisis, their free phone number is 116 123
- SANE on 0300 304 7000
- The Sleep Council have tips to manage your anxiety and improve sleep.