Non-urgent advice: Urgent mental health help
NHS national services will then be able to deal with your concern and direct you to the most appropriate national or local resources, all of which are available through NHS24.
What is mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act, as well as how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health isn’t about feeling happy all the time—it’s about living well and coping with the ups and downs of life.
Our mental health and wellbeing goes up and down. It can be affected by life events including work stress or problems with family or friends. Just like physical health, our mental state can be influenced by a range of everyday experiences. It’s normal to feel low, anxious, or overwhelmed at times—especially during periods of change, uncertainty, or pressure.
Life events that can impact our mental wellbeing include:
- Work-related stress – such as heavy workloads, job insecurity, or lack of work-life balance
- Relationship challenges – including arguments, break-ups, or difficulties within family or friendships
- Financial worries – such as debt, rising costs of living, or unexpected expenses
- Health concerns – personal illness, injury, or caring for someone else
- Major life changes – like moving home, having a baby, retirement, or bereavement
Even positive events—like a new job or the birth of a child—can be mentally and emotionally demanding. It’s important to recognise these pressures and seek support when needed. Mental health is not a fixed state; it exists on a spectrum, and taking steps to care for it is a vital part of overall wellbeing.
Part of keeping good mental health is being aware of the difference between your normal emotions and feelings, and those that you may need extra support with for example major life events. No matter what challenges we face, there are steps we can take every day to look after and improve our mental health and wellbeing.
Signs of Mental Health Difficulties
Everyone feels low or anxious from time to time, but if these feelings last for weeks or interfere with daily life, it could be a sign to seek help. Common symptoms include:
- Ongoing sadness or low mood
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or usual activities
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Feelings of hopelessness or being overwhelmed
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Unexplained physical symptoms (e.g. headaches, fatigue)
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you’re struggling, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Mental health issues can affect anyone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.