Our new mental health guide for all

How does it really feel on the inside?
Our new mental health guide now available in 5000 GP surgeries, 400,000 university students and a further 35,000 people online.

Mental Health UK has launched a new mental health information guide online and in-print to improve the public’s knowledge of specific mental health conditions, to help readers identify symptoms in themselves or others and provide practical next steps for help and support.

In recent years there has been a drive in the UK for more open conversations about mental health with two thirds of people (67%) more comfortable talking about mental health than five years ago which is a fantastic achievement. However, only 1 in 4 people believe they have a good understanding of mental health with many still unable to identify symptoms. This needs to change.

Our new mental health guide has been designed to improve the public’s knowledge and understanding of specific mental health conditions to aid their recognition, management and prevention. Our guide provides an introduction to the following conditions:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety Disorder
  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Psychosis & Schizophrenia
  • Personality Disorder

To reach a cross-section of the population we have distributed our printed guide to 5000 GPs across the UK with plans to launch an online version later this month that will reach even more people.

"We know that by improving an individual’s knowledge of mental health it can build resilience, encourage positive lifestyle change and lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment."

– Brian Dow, Mental Health UK Managing Director

Supporting our student population

We recognise the need to support our university students and their mental health. University UK, a body that represents universities has seen a sharp increase in the number of students trying to access mental health support services.

"We recognise the need to support our university students and their mental health. University UK, a body that represents universities has seen a sharp increase in the number of students trying to access mental health support services."

We already know that a third of students report psychological distress, a quarter of new students report thoughts about self-harm and five times as many students have disclosed a mental health condition compared to 10 years ago. This is why we are delivering our guide to 400,000 university students this September and October with plans to reach another 35,000 students online as part of an advertising burst on social media during October and November.

Visit truths.mentalhealth-uk.org to find out what you really know about mental illness. >>>

What’s next?

Our distribution to GPs and university students is just the start to an approach that will reach many more people across the country. We’ve identified employers as key partners to that distribution model with Lloyds Banking Group, the first employer to distribute our guides to their colleagues.

If you are an employer and would like to order copies for your workplace, please send us an email to: [email protected]. We would be happy to discuss your requirements.

With thanks

Our mental health guide would not have been possible without the support and generosity of colleagues and customers at Lloyds Banking Group. We are proud to be working with Lloyds Banking Group as their Charity Partner for 2017 and 2018. Read more about our partnership

Your donation will make the difference

Just £10 could help pay for a call to our advice and information line, supporting someone living with mental illness who may be feeling in distress during this time.

Donate today