It’s normal to feel low at the moment, as we all try to adjust to a ‘new normal’ after an incredibly difficult two years. But no matter how negative a situation is, things can get better, and help is at hand.
Some people will be particularly struggling with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and panic attacks - and they might need support from a mental health professional to get through this. First Step is the NHS Psychological Wellbeing service for adults in north Cumbria with common mental health problems such as these. Your GP can refer you to us, or you can also self-refer to us for help if you are struggling.
All these problems can be effectively treated using ‘talking therapies.’ Traditionally, these were done sitting in a room with your therapist, but now there are more flexible options too. We’ll always have an initial telephone conversation with you to understand how you have been feeling and decide, together, what sort of help might work best for you.
Talking therapies (like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and counselling) are designed to help you to understand and change your ways of thinking, feeling, and acting, which can then help you to do the things you want to do and live a more satisfying life.
You might prefer to speak to a therapist from home via phone or video-call. You might also find our online therapy programme, SilverCloud, helpful. This is a course of customisable modules based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which you can work through at your own pace, on a computer or smartphone, with support from a First Step therapist. These options can make it more convenient to get help that fits easily around your life.
Each year Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), which provides specialist mental health services in North Cumbria and runs First Step, leads a Winter Wellness campaign. The campaign aims to make sure people know where they can go to get help – from services like ours - and to offer advice on supporting loved ones who might be in need.
The campaign also highlights CNTW’s free self-help guides, which cover a wide range of topics from anxiety to alcohol, sleeping problems and stress.
It’s also important to know the number to call if you, or someone you know, is in a mental health crisis. You can ring 0800 652 2865 at any time for specialist support. (If you’re Deaf and/or have communication difficulties, text 07795 656 226.)
Richard Thwaites,
Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Accredited CB Psychotherapist,
Clinical Lead for First Step, the NHS talking therapies service for North Cumbria.
Find out more about First Step online or call 0300 123 9122.