Mental health self-care
Looking after your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health. This section covers common problems — feeling low, anxious, stressed, or sleeping badly — and explains where to get support in the UK. If you are in crisis, please call 111 (select the mental health option) or 999 for immediate danger.
Get advice about your symptoms
If you are unwell and unsure what to do, use one of the routes below. They are free and available across the UK, and can direct you to the right service.
- Check your symptoms online at 111.nhs.uk
- Call 111 for free 24-hour advice from NHS 111
- Speak to a pharmacist for advice on minor problems — no appointment needed
- Contact your GP for non-urgent medical problems
Call 999 immediately in a life-threatening emergency — for example loss of consciousness, severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding or a suspected stroke.
What this section covers
- Feeling low or anxious
- Sleep and stress
- Everyday self-care and reaching out
- NHS talking therapies (self-referral in most areas)
- Crisis support: Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Explore this section
Choose a topic from the list below for more detail. Every page on NHS Direct is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
See our about page and editorial policy for how we produce and review content.
In this section
- AnxietyAnxiety — practical self-care, NHS talking therapies, and when to speak to your GP.
- Anxiety and avoiding situationsAnxiety often leads to avoiding things. Why avoidance keeps anxiety going, and gentle ways to break the cycle.
- Anxiety and changes in appetiteAnxiety often affects appetite — some people eat more, others less. Practical things that help.
- Anxiety and sleepAnxiety and poor sleep feed each other. Practical sleep-hygiene tips and when to get help.
- Controlling panic attacksPanic attacks — how to recognise one, how to bring one down, and when to get help.
- Depression after a life eventBereavement, illness, redundancy and other life events can trigger depression. How to know when to get help.
- Depression and changes in appetiteDepression often affects appetite. Practical things that help, and when to see a GP.
- Depression: feeling worthless or guiltyFeelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt are common in depression. When to reach out.
- Depression: restlessness and irritabilityRestlessness and irritability are less-known signs of depression. What to look out for.
- Depression: unpleasant or intrusive thoughtsUnpleasant, intrusive thoughts in depression — what they mean and when to reach out.
- StressStress — practical steps that help, and when to see a GP if it is becoming a health…