“The NHS is encouraging anyone struggling with feelings of depression, or anxiety such as excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or obsessions and compulsions, to seek help through NHS Talking Therapies service. These are effective, confidential and free treatments delivered by trained clinicians, online, on the phone, or in person.
If you’re struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety, seeking help through an NHS Talking Therapies service can be one of the best steps you can take to overcome mental health issues and get back on track.
NHS Talking Therapies can help provide support and treatment for common mental health problems, such as:
- feeling anxious
- feeling low and hopeless
- having panic attacks
- finding it hard to cope with work, life or relationships
- struggling with flashbacks or nightmares about upsetting events from your past
- feeling stressed
- worrying a lot
- obsessive thoughts or behaviours
- fear of social situations
- being afraid of things, such as spiders, flying or heights (phobias)
You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself to an NHS Talking Therapies service. Getting support as soon as you start having difficulties can help to reduce their impact.
To find out more about how talking therapies can help and watch a film with BSL visit: nhs.uk/talk (The film is located towards the end of the page)
Talking therapies are now also available in British Sign Language (BSL) through SignHealth’s Psychological Therapy Service. All therapists are fluent in BSL and some can also support deaf people who do not sign. This means therapists have the skills and cultural understanding to provide one-to-one therapy for Deaf people which improves communication and makes it easier for the patient and the therapist to form a relationship.
Your GP can refer you for NHS Talking Therapies, or you can refer yourself at nhs.uk/talk
Alternatively, to find out more about SignHealth’s NHS Therapies for Deaf People service visit signhealth.org.uk“
