The post-pandemic years have been notable in seeing a rise in people struggling with their mental health. Two years of uncertainty, social-distancing and a major disruption to routines were difficult to handle for even those with the most robust outlook on life.
Fortunately, access to help is easier than it has ever been. In the last ten years or so, the NHS has developed ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapy’, and just renamed it NHS Talking Therapies. The services offers a range of support to thousands of people to help them improve their low mood, anxiety and depression and find ways to manage their mental health.
In my constituency, the Brentwood and Ongar NHS Talking Therapies services offers evidence based talking therapies and new ways of coping to anyone over the age of 16 to help you manage your mood. The therapies are free, you can self-refer to the service, and not need to go to the GP. Help is also available to support the mental health of those with long term conditions including Diabetes, IBS, Heart, Lung and Chronic Pain.
It’s reassuring to see the days of hiding depression and anxiety are passing, and access to help is easier and without stigma.
You can find out more about the service, which is free and confidential here: https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/news/podcasts/
If you live in Brentwood, you can get in touch by phone on 01268 977171, and if you are in Ongar the number is 0333 015 2966.
