World Mental Health Day and CP

Richard_Scope

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It’s a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in good mental health.

This year's theme is 'access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies'. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.

We know that people living with cerebral palsy are more likely to experience anxiety or depression than the general population. This could be because of living with pain, and social isolation caused by societal and environmental barriers.

Also, mental health issues may be overlooked because CP is primarily a physical condition. The focus for treatment may be on improving mobility, decreasing pain, and prolonging energy. However, the effects of depression and mental health issues can increase the severity of CP. 

It’s important that you and your doctor address your emotional and mental needs, as well as your physical ones. Support groups, therapists, and other mental health experts can be a good resource for individuals with CP. 

Therapy and Support

Cerebral Palsy Counselling at DisabilityPlus

Liz Whitley Counselling

Lapis Specialist Counselling for families

Clarity Psychology, neuropsychological and psychological services

Some emotional support lines to try are:  

Hub of Hope is the UK's largest mental health support directory

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of hope

Samaritans can be contacted by telephone, letter, e-mail and mini-com. There's also a face-to-face service available at their local branches. They are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 

Telephone: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans .org Website: www.samaritans.org 

Sane Line They work with anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers. Their helpline is open between 4:40 pm and 10 pm every day of the year. They also provide a free text-based support service called Textcare.  And an online supportive forum community, where anyone can share their experiences of mental health issues. 

Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4:30 pm – 10:30 pm every evening) Textcare: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/textcare Support Forum: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/supportforum Website: www.sane.org.uk 

Support Line provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue. Their opening hours vary, so you need to ring them for details. 

Telephone: 01708 765200 E-mail: info@supportline .org.uk Website: www.supportline.org.uk 

Papyrus UK works with people under 35 who are having suicidal feelings. And with people who are worried about someone under 35. Their helpline is open 10 am – 10 pm during the week. And between 2 pm and 10 pm at weekends and bank holidays. 

Telephone: 0800 068 41 41 Email: pat@papyrus -uk.org Text: 07786 209697 Website: www.papyrus-uk.org 

C.A.L.M. (Campaign Against Living Miserably) aimed specifically at men. Their helpline is open between 5pm and midnight every day of the year. 

Telephone (outside London): 0800 58 58 58 Telephone (London): 0808 802 58 58 Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/ (5 pm – Midnight every day) Website: www.thecalmzone.net 

Silverline is aimed at people over 55. Their helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 

Telephone:  0800 4 70 80 90 Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk 

The Mix is aimed at people under 25. Their helpline is open between 4 pm and 11 pm, 7 days a week. They also run a crisis text service which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 E-mail: through the website. Crisis text message service: Text THEMIX to 85258. Webchat: through the website. (4 pm - 11 pm, 7 days a week) Website: www.themix.org.uk 

Mood Swings is aimed at anyone affected by a mood disorder, including friends, families and carers.  Their helpline is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. 

Telephone: 0161 832 37 36 E-mail: info@moodswings .org.uk Website: www.moodswings.org.uk 

Remember, it's okay not to be okay. @SaraC_Scope, @Lucy_Scope and me are here for you to talk to.