I really need help, though I’m not actively losing my sanity, the only person I actually tell about my struggles is getting worried. I don’t want to speak to the school counselor because people will treat me different, and the counselor is not actually a counselor, but a priest who is going to tell me to pray and discriminate against me when I explain that I’m am aethiest, ill probably get expelled from my Catholic school for not being Catholic. This is a big part of my issues so, yeah I can’t really get proper help at school. Does the NHS offer any free mental help? i can’t afford private help.

19 comments
  1. You will not get expelled from a catholic school for not being catholic. Yes, you can get free mental health support on the NHS, but it can be a very long waiting list. If you feel you need to, ring 111 and get the ball rolling that way sooner rather than later.

  2. Yes the NHS has free help, call your GP and explain your struggling with mental health and they’ll do what they can, depending on how things are in your area means there can be a delay for some things but normally you’ll have some short-term help as well.

  3. Check your GPs website, or give them a call. Most areas will allow self referral as well without needing to speak to the GP

  4. Yes, but you will first need to make an appointment with your doctor, who will refer you on. From the sounds of your post you are under 18, there is also child line, which you can phone (free) or contact them online.
    Good luck.

  5. Andy’s mans club operates all over the country in cooperation with the nhs. It provides a safe environment to talk and be heard

  6. Some good answers here. I’m not religious, either but you might still consider your school counselor as an avenue for additional support. You can’t read minds so you don’t know how he’ll react or what he’ll say, and you might find it cathartic to share your feelings with someone else. You’re under no obligation to continue sharing with this person if you don’t like their responses. Good luck

  7. Yes but how quick you can access it depends on where you live, demand and availability varies. Also you can self-refer

  8. That’s such a shitty assumption to make about the preist. So, so, so many members of the clergy are simply good people who will try help you because it’s the Christian thing to do and they won’t push their religion on to you.
    And if they’re your school councillor they probably will have all the contact details for the relevant CAMHS etc in your area. It’s kinda expected of them

    Also you totally could’ve googled this. There’s even adverts on TV and busses etc now about some of the access routes to NHS mental health care. Just pay attention in life.

  9. If you teenager or young adult there may be support for depend on age, under 18yrs Camhs or over 18 , adult mental team team.

    You could also contact young mind that supports you adults with mental health issues.

    https://www.youngminds.org.uk

  10. Yes it does but there is usually a long waiting list, so the sooner you get yourself seen and referred by your doctor the sooner you will get started.

  11. Heyy I was diagnosed with BPD a few years ago after having a brain haemorrhage at 21! My partner also passed away my best friend also passed away and I struggled to cope with all of this. My GP offered me cognitive behavioural therapy (with a company called healthy minds) I was on the waiting list for over 6 months however and I had to see a psychologist every month or so. I personally don’t think the therapy helped me but it’s there as an option. One thing though with it being on my record I couldn’t go back in the army when I re-applied to go in as it’s on your record for life. I found swimming etc really really helpful, I bought a dog called Betty who was my best mate, just keep busy and try see if you can find a new hobby 🙂 hope everything gets better soon!

  12. I went to a Catholic school too. And I’m not Catholic. Actually, hardly any of the pupils were. I can practically guarantee that the priest won’t care. They wo t discriminate you for not being one. They won’t just tell you to pray. They definitely will try and help you in whatever way they can to feel better

  13. Others have covered the free care aspect but I’ll tell you that I went to catholic school and I used to argue with the priests and the RE teachers often and quite honestly I was a wee pain in the arse and I did not get expelled. I think you might have a slightly exaggerated fear of what the school is like.

  14. Since you’re at school, Childline can help

    If not, maybe Samaritans, or other charities that give mental support.

    I was brought up to reject mental health medication and I advise you to do the same, they don’t work for everyone and supposedly make you feel numb rather than anything positive.

  15. Other Redditors have given [mostly] good advice – the main thing is you have recognised you need help and are asking where to find it – well done you because that means you are taking care of yourself.

    It’s very important that you go and talk to your GP – yes, I know these post-pandemic days that can be a challenge but do it as they have all the info on getting help for you; that could be a referral to a counsellor/psychologist or to a young person’s Mental Health centre. GPs deal with this all the time, it’s completely normal and they will understand. You might have to wait awhile, once referred, to actually see someone so in the meantime, you could indeed talk to Childline, Mind, or any other Mental Health helpline.

    I think it helps to know that you’re on a list and will get help – even if it means waiting.

    All the best to you!

  16. First port of call is your GP who will refer you to a mental health team. There are, unfortunately, usually a backlog of patients awaiting referral so this may not be as quick as you’d hope, but once you are seen there is support available.

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