Mental health

Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious long-term conditions. The majority of people who experience mental health problems can get over them or learn to live with them, especially if they get help early on.

There are many different mental health problems. You may experience symptoms that are common to two or more diagnoses, or you may experience the symptoms of more than one mental health problem at once. Mental health problems include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Eating problems
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Personality disorders

Self-help techniques can be effective in managing the symptoms of many mental health problems and can mean that no other treatment is needed. Making changes to your general lifestyle may also help to prevent some problems from developing or getting worse.

Get active

Physical activity can help you avoid developing health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and mental health difficulties such as depression. The annual Mental Health Awareness Week aims to shift our motivation for physical activity from "I'll do this later" to "I want to increase my wellbeing now".

For more information, visit the West Sussex Wellbeing website.

Talk to someone

Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. It isn't a sign of weakness, it's part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay healthy.

Just being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone.

Ask for help

None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things go wrong. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can't cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear. Local organisations are also there to help you. 

Mental health services in West Sussex fall into three broad categories:

• psychological therapies in GP and community settings
• specialist mental health support in inpatient settings or the community
• services provided by the voluntary sector

Mental health teams offer a range of support to help people recover from mental health issues and conditions, including psychological therapies  and interventions, 1:1 support and group work.

Services are available for people of all ages, and include specialist services for children. Patients need to be referred by their GP or their community mental health team. If you have any concerns about your mental health, please contact your GP in the first instance.