Moneymagpie Team
16th Aug 2024
Reading Time: 4 minutes
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Mental health is never not important – and for good reason. Whilst it can be very serious and need urgent support, mental health (as a wider term) is something that can impact every single one of us.
In fact, did you know that in the UK in 2024, the term ‘How to reduce stress’ is searched on Google once every 10 minutes, on average.
At present, the cost of living crisis, the long-term impact of the pandemic, and the general state of the world can all worsen our mental health and there have been record numbers of people reported seeking help. In fact Forth shared the stats that “More than 1 in 7 UK adults say their mental health is currently either bad, or the worst it’s ever been”. But NHS services are under strain and it can take a long time to get seen in mental health services. The good news is that there are ways to access mental health support privately whatever your budget.
Ask Your Employer About Counselling Support
Free Emergency Support
First things first, if you’re in an immediate dire situation and feel like things are just too much, there is emergency help available for you. If you think you’re in immediate danger to yourself or someone else, call 999.
If you’re feeling really low but don’t think you need the emergency services, call a helpline. They are free and non-judgemental, a safe space to talk about your difficulties with a trained counsellor.
The Samaritans run a 24/7 helpline every day of the week. Call 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258.
Mind Charity runs four different helplines, including a general support line (0300 102 1234), an infoline (0300 123 3393), welfare benefits line (0300 222 5782) and legal (0300 466 6463). They all run Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm except Bank Holidays.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to a therapist specialising in your particular difficulty. You can choose which therapist to contact, and work with them online – so you don’t have to attend an office, and can have therapy sessions at a time that works for you.
We like BetterHelp because they have helped take the stigma out of accessing mental health support, and made it affordable to get help when you need it and in the format you prefer (email, live message, phone, or video call). Their therapists are licensed and vetted, and specialise in all kinds of psychotherapy – and if you don’t like the therapist you’re matched with, you can switch at any time.
BetterHelp offers a flat monthly fee for accessing therapy – meaning it becomes a more affordable option than in-person private therapists.
And by signing up using our link, you can get 20% off your first month.
Talk to Friends
Having open conversations with your friends and family when you’re not doing well is the first step in tackling poor mental health. It’s not a replacement for therapy, but can help you relieve some stress when you find out you’re not alone.
When you’re finding things hard, try to talk to friends by opening the conversation of ‘how are you?’ with honesty. It can be very hard to open up, particularly when we’re used to being seen as the one who holds everything together – but there is some truth in ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’. You may find your friends can offer practical solutions that will help relieve some of your angst, such as offering to give you a night off by babysitting so you can get out and about for the evening.
Again, friends and family aren’t there to replace therapy or other services, but when they know you’re having a hard time, you’ll be surprised at how they’ll rally around you to boost your mood, help out where they can, and just be a listening ear while you wait to access therapy.
Ask Your Employer About Counselling Support
Many workplaces offer free or discounted mental health support, but it often isn’t widely advertised. An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers independent support by a third-party provider. This means everything you discuss is entirely confidential – your boss will never find out that you’ve used the scheme or what you discussed in sessions.
It may come in the form of a telephone helpline, Zoom sessions, or even in-person meetings. The offerings of EAP schemes vary between employers, so check your contract to see what is offered (or talk to HR if you can’t find the details – you don’t need to give details, just ask if there is an EAP scheme).
In Person Therapists
A more expensive option is to find an in person therapist in your area. Your GP may be able to recommend one who deals with your particular circumstances, so ask them for a recommendation if you can. If not, use the Counselling Directory to find counsellors in your area.
There are different types of therapist, so it’s important to know what each can and can’t do.
A counsellor listens and offers guidance and advice, and can signpost you to other services.
Specialists may also offer other therapies such as hypnotherapy. Counsellors typically address immediate or surface-level issues, such as the stress of relocating or coping with the loss of a loved one. It’s important to note that a counsellor is not qualified to diagnose or prescribe medication.
Psychotherapists provide longer-term mental health support and often delve into deeper, underlying issues. They utilize talking therapies like CBT. Similar to counsellors, psychotherapists cannot diagnose or prescribe medication (unless they hold qualifications as a psychologist).
A psychologist offers more comprehensive psychotherapy and holds the title of ‘Dr.’ They have completed a three-year degree in psychology and frequently work within the NHS. While they can provide guidance on a diagnosis, psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medication.
A psychiatrist has a medical background and extensive training, including five years as a doctor followed by six additional years to specialize as a psychiatrist. They handle complex cases and have the authority to prescribe medication. Due to their advanced training and prescribing capabilities, psychiatrists are the most costly type of in-person therapist, but their expertise is invaluable when needed.