Wide range of local mental health services available to help beat January blues

People in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire who have found the first few weeks of the new year to be a struggle are being reassured that help and support is available.

January is often a challenging time for many, with people’s moods and mental outlook impacted by a range of seasonal factors, including the come-down from the festive period, money worries and the combination of shorter days and longer nights.

Research suggests that people who find January difficult will see their stresses and anxieties hit a peak on or near the third Monday of the month, which many have now come to describe as Blue Monday.

Locally, there are a variety of free and confidential support services available, all of which can be accessed without an appointment, for people experiencing short-term mental health issues.

The region’s three places of calm – Breathing Space in Bath, the Junction in Swindon and the Riverside Sanctuary in Salisbury – all offer non-clinical mental health advice, with each service available in-person and over the phone.

Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Lots of people find themselves feeling low during the long first month of any new year, with many who may have never previously experienced any kind of mental health issue suddenly struggling to cope.

“While it’s normal not to feel OK, people should be aware that ignoring symptoms of what could be poor mental health, such as irritability, difficulty sleeping and a change in appetite, will usually make the problem worse.

“Seeking support early on, whether that’s just chatting things through with a friend or loved on, or perhaps having a more formal conversation with a mental health professional, can prevent something manageable from developing into a more serious problem.

“Help is out there, and it’s easy to find too, especially when using NHS 111 online, as it can direct people to their nearest support service, which may be in-person or over the phone, in literally a matter of seconds.”

Elsewhere, a new website has been set up to support those experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood or depression.

The BSW Talking Therapies site is the new central hub for wellbeing resources, including self-help guides and links to advice and support.

Aileen McArthur, Head of Talking Therapies, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, said: “We often hear that getting the right type of mental health information and support is difficult so we hope the new BSW Talking Therapies site will make it much easier for people to get the help and signposting they need more quickly and conveniently.”

The new site can be accessed at www.awp.nhs.uk/our-services-talking-therapies.

People experiencing a mental health crisis, or caring for somebody in need of urgent help, should phone the Avon and Wiltshire crisis line on 0800 953 1919 or, in the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 999.

Contact details for the three places of calm are listed on the ICB website at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.