Mental Health
Our mental health is as important as our physical health. We can all feel anxious, stressed or low at times, but it can be a problem if these feelings get worse, go on for a long time or affect our daily lives.
Mental health services are free on the NHS. In some cases, you may need to be referred by your GP to access them.
If you are in crisis
If you are in crisis or are concerned about someone else please seek urgent help.
- You can get urgent Mental Health help via the NHS website.
- Call the Newcastle and Gateshead Crisis team 0191 814 8899 or freephone 0800 652 2863.
- Text ‘Shout’ to 85258 for a free text messaging support service.
Other ways to get help
There are self-help guides and advice that can help with mild or low-level mental health issues. You may find these self-help leaflets useful: NTW Self Help leaflets
But if you are unsure what is the best route, you should arrange to speak to a GP.
A Doctor will talk through your issues with you, assess your condition and make some suggestions for what can help.
The GP might suggest coping strategies or self-help exercises, prescribe medication, or refer you to a specialist service, like talking therapies or counselling.
Local self-referral services
You can refer yourself directly to Gateshead Talking Therapies – there is no need to speak with your GP first.
Visit gatesheadtalkingtherapies.nhs.uk, call 0191 283 2541 or email tsft.thecroft@nhs.net.
Tyneside Mind is here to talk, listen and support you when you need it. Their support line is open 7 days a week from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm. Call 0191 477 45 45 or 0330 174 3174 (calls are charged at local rate).
Check your symptoms
Check your symptoms with the NHS’s depression and mood self-assessment tools.