Mental health and wellbeing
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. It's ok to ask for support when you need it.
Everyone experiences ups and downs in life, and it's normal to feel affected when times are tough. There's no "right" or "wrong" way to feel – everyone responds differently, and your feelings matter.
Our mental health is influenced by many things around us. Physical health problems, long‑term pain, money worries, the cost of living, or work pressures can all have an impact. Personal experiences such as relationship difficulties, loneliness, or bereavement can also affect how we feel.
When life feels overwhelming, some people turn to alcohol, drugs, or gambling to cope. While this might bring short‑term relief, it can often make things feel harder in the long run.
Feeling stressed, anxious, or low is common and these feelings often pass within a couple of weeks. If things don't improve, or if these feelings keep coming back, there are many things you can do to help improve how you feel and support is available if you need it.
Mental health crisis support for people of all ages
A mental health crisis often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. It often involves a sudden or continued worsening of your symptoms. You may feel great emotional distress or anxiety, feel you can't cope with day-to-day life, think about suicide or self-harm, or experience hallucinations and hearing voices.
Call 111 and select the mental health option.
NHS Mental Health crisis line, available 24/7. NHS staff will support you to get the help you need.
If you're deaf or have hearing loss, you can visit this website to be connected to a local crisis service.
For more information, visit Merseycare.
Accident & Emergency (A&E) and 999
A&E should only be used when there are serious physical injuries which require treatment within the hospital environment.
If you feel you need urgent help with your mental health but do not have serious physical injuries, please call 111 and select the mental health option.
If you feel you need urgent mental health support but also have serious physical injuries, then we would advise you to attend A&E to address your physical injuries.
Please only call 999 if you feel you require immediate, life threatening assistance.
The agencies below can support you to manage your own mental health and wellbeing or offer you advice if you are concerned about someone you know.
Samaritans – a safe place to talk 24/7 about whatever is troubling you. Call 116 123
NHS Talking Therapies is a free therapy for people aged over 16 registered with a Knowsley GP who want to learn how to overcome common mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. You will be encouraged to engage with a short-course offered in group settings or online therapy which you can do at your own pace and access 24/7 with weekly online support from your therapist. Call 0151 531 8890
Listening Ear – provides counselling support for people of all ages. Call 0151 488 6648
Silverline is a free, confidential telephone service run by Age UK for those aged 55 and over. Offering friendship, conversation and support 24/7. Call 0800 470 8090
Suicide Bereavement Service for Cheshire and Merseyside – free confidential support for anyone affected by suicide loss. Visit the Martin Gallier Project website or call 0151 644 0294, between 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, 7 days a week.
Hub of Hope is an online UK mental health support directory.
Evolving Mindset is a Knowsley based organisation providing a wide range of support. Call 07723 290 465 or visit evolvingmindset.co.uk
Talk to someone you trust
Talking to someone you trust can really help you to make sense of something that is worrying you and can feel like a relief to talk about it. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a positive step towards taking care of yourself.
Ask for help
It’s okay to ask for help, you don’t have to cope alone if you’re feeling low, support is available. This can be professional support from your GP practice or talking to someone you trust can help you to feel better about something that is troubling you.
Focusing on your strengths and appreciating what you can do or have can help give you a more positive outlook.
Keep active
Activities like walking, stretching, gardening or housework can boost your mood and help you sleep better. Try getting outdoors for some fresh air and a 10‑minute walk each day, gradually building up. The most important thing is to find something you enjoy so it’s easier to keep going.
Sleep well
Good quality sleep helps you cope better day to day. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends. Wind down before bed by limiting screen use and avoiding drinking alcohol or caffeine. Writing down your worries before bed can also help calm your mind and make it easier to fall asleep.
Make time for you
Do something that helps you switch off and relax, such as listening to music, a podcast or audiobook, spending time outdoors, or being with a pet.
Learning something new, starting a hobby or being creative can also help – you don’t need to be “good” at it, just enjoy it. Activities like crafts, puzzles or even some DIY can help reduce stress and boost your confidence.
Eat better
What you eat can have an impact on your mood and energy levels. Try to cut back on sugary snacks and comfort foods, choosing healthier options instead. Even small changes can make a positive difference.
Keep hydrated, limit alcohol and caffeine
Staying hydrated can support your energy levels and mood. Aim to drink around 6–8 glasses or mugs of fluid each day – most drinks count except alcohol, but water is best to keep you hydrated.
If you’re feeling low, try to limit alcohol, as it can affect the brain and make low mood or anxiety worse.
Avoid caffeine from the afternoon onwards, as it is a stimulant that can disrupt sleep, increase anxiety and cause a faster heartbeat.
Keep connected with others
Small connections with others can help if you feel lonely. A phone call, text message or even a short chat with someone when you’re out and about. Helping others, whether through volunteering or small acts of kindness can also help you feel less alone and help boost your mood.
If you use social media to keep in touch with others, it’s important not to compare yourself to them, as what you see on social media rarely reflects real life.
The tips below by the Mental Health Foundation provide five simple tips for supporting someone’s mental health through good listening.
- Find a good time and space
Choose a time when neither of you is rushed and a place without interruptions or distractions. - Listen to understand
Focus on understanding what the person is saying rather than thinking about how you will respond. This helps people feel genuinely heard. - Actively listen
Face the person, maintain appropriate eye contact, avoid interrupting, and use open questions to clarify what they mean. - Ask, don’t tell
Avoid jumping straight to solutions. Ask what support would help. They may want practical help or simply someone to listen. - Check in
Follow up afterwards so they know they can come back to you. If additional support is needed, encourage them to speak to their GP or a mental health service.
Good quality sleep is important for physical and mental health. It can help us to feel energised and rested and able to cope better with life’s daily ups and downs.
Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night, however, the amount can differ from person to person. As you get older you may find you don’t sleep as much as you used to, whilst babies, children and teenagers may need a lot more.
The occasional sleepless night will not cause any harm, however, longer term sleep problems such as difficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep and not waking up feeling refreshed can start to have a negative impact on health. Poor sleep can cause low mood, irritability, difficulty concentrating and the ability to do daily tasks.
There are many reasons why people may have sleep problems; worry, anxiety, physical health issues keeping them awake at night, it is important to seek help from your GP if problems persist.
You may find the NHS’ guide on how to fall asleep faster and sleep better helpful.
Cheshire & Merseyside Suicide Bereavement Service, combines specialist knowledge, lived experience and compassionate care for people of every age affected by suicide loss. With no waiting lists, no criteria and no barriers to access, we’re here to listen, to understand and to walk beside you for as long as you need us.
Whether your bereavement happened today or decades ago, support is available whenever you feel ready. There is no waiting for the “right time” to ask for help, because grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and neither do we.
Who can access support?
Suicide loss affects families, friends, workplaces and entire communities. The service is here for anyone affected by a suicide loss across Cheshire & Merseyside.
Visit the Martin Gallier Project website or call 0151 644 0294, between 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, 7 days a week.
Take the free 30 minute Zero Suicide Alliance training to help save a life.
The training covers suicide risk factors, warning signs, videos from people sharing real experiences, how to talk to someone you’re worried about and where you can find support services.
Further health information you can trust
For urgent mental health support – call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
Samaritans Available 24/7
