A new mental health campaign launched this week urging more people to sign up for help they might need through the NHS Talking Therapies service.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with feelings of depression, social anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress or obsessions and compulsions then there is mental health support out there for you.
As part of a pilot programme across the country, the NHS is also supporting people back into work with 40,000 people already being linked up with employment advisors to support them back into work with research showing that employment can help improve symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Once individuals are signed up to the service, the NHS ensures that employment advisors are on hand to offer help with writing CVs, setting career goals, and giving them the confidence to apply for vacancies.
Employment and mental health are closely linked, and research shows employment support from an adviser, alongside therapy, can help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
By March next year, every person accessing NHS Talking Therapies will be offered the chance to benefit from employment advice.
Dr David Crichton, Medical Director at NHS South Yorkshire said:
“People with mental health issues can find that they struggle more at this time of year with the dark nights, cold weather and getting back to reality after Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“If you are struggling with your mental wellbeing please don’t suffer in silence, there is help available for you. The NHS Talking Therapies Service can be one of the most imprortant steps someone can take to overcome their mental health issues and get back on track.”
The NHS Talking Therapies Service offers free, confidential advice by trained professionals and you can be referred by your GP or if you prefer you can refer yourself online via nhs.uk/talk.
For more information about NHS Talking Therapies click the following link: NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
The NHS Long Term Plan committed to helping tens of thousands of patients with severe mental illness into work through the Individual Placement and Support Scheme, and NHS investment in mental health is growing by at least a further £2.3 billion a year.