This can largely depend on what the difficulty is. For instance, a person who is coping with mental distress may choose to respond to this in a variety of ways, depending on how they feel and how they deal with these feelings.

They may choose to confide in their friends, colleagues and family, if this kind of support network is available to them. This may or may not alleviate the distress they are feeling. Where it doesn't, the individual may seek support through their GP, who may decide that they are able to offer the appropriate support. A GP can make a diagnosis for mental distress such as depression, anxiety etc. but may also decide, in some cases, that a referral to the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) may be appropriate. This may be particularly relevant for people who do not have access to a good support structure such as friends and family, or where there are ongoing difficulties that a person is facing with coping in their every day life.

A GP will also decide to refer a person to the CMHT if they feel that the person needs more specialist treatment from a mental health professional such as a Psychiatrist. This will be particularly true where the GP suspects that there may be a serious mental illness, or where the person needs the input of a professional who can support with social problems, as well as the mental health difficulty.

Community Mental Health Teams are made up of health workers and social care staff, who have specialist knowledge of mental health and mental illness. They work together with many other agencies, including statutory and voluntary services, carers and local GP's, to provide support and information to people who are experiencing mental distress/ mental illness.

If you are worried about your own mental health, the first contact you make should be with your GP. He/ She will be able to discuss your concerns with you and decide with you what kind of support/ help may be most helpful.

It can be frightening and difficult to raise concerns about your mental health, but it is very common for people to experience difficulties during their lives. For the majority of people, this distress can be of a short term nature, especially if the appropriate support is received. For some people, there may be a need to have more ongoing contact with specialist services such as the CMHT, but with good information and advice about the issues you are experiencing, it is possible to feel better supported and less isolated.

If you would like support with approaching your GP about your concerns, or if you would like the opportunity to talk to another person about it before you make contact with your GP, then you can contact your local Mind service or Advocacy group. They will support you with the process if you wish, or act as a 'listening ear' and offer suggestions on how to raise your concerns with your doctor. You may feel less alone after voicing your concerns/ feelings/ worries to another person; this in itself may be very helpful.

If you have seen your GP and not found the contact helpful, these services will also be able to advise you on what other routes you can take to find support.

Medical support is not the only route for help with mental distress/ mental illness; there are a variety of other services that provide wide ranging support in this area. Medical treatment can be of great importance especially with psychotic illnesses, but many people are also helped by other forms of support/ treatment alongside this. Some you can access directly. Others may need a referral from your GP or from the CMHT.

• Mind. Is a national charity with over 220 local associations in England and Wales, providing a variety of different services depending on local need. These services often include drop-ins, structured groups, focused on self-help and education and leisure activities. Many also provide a befriending scheme offering one to one support to those who are experiencing mental distress. There are many innovative services, which offer invaluable support to those experiencing mental distress/ mental illness.
  See the Local Mind in Dacorum information on this website, if you live in Hemel Hempstead or surrounding areas.
  If you do not live in this area, then please follow this link to the National Mind site, to find Mind services in your area National Mind site
• Self-help groups. Meeting other people who are experiencing similar difficulties and discussing ways of coping with this can be extremely helpful for people. It helps to share ideas and experiences and it can provide an enormous sense of relief to know that you are not alone. Many people experiencing mental distress feel isolated and alone because of the stigma attached. These groups can be of great comfort and a source of friendship, as well as practical and emotional support.
• Counselling. The support of a trained counsellor can be extremely helpful in terms of working alongside you, to help you to explore emotional difficulties. It is confidential and will give you a safe space in which you can try to learn more about your feelings and how to cope with them.
• Complementary Therapies. This includes activities such as aromatherapy, massage, herbalism, acupuncture, reflexology, counselling, iridology, reiki, homeopathy, indian head massage, Alexander technique, shiatsu and yoga. All of these can be enjoyable and also help to alleviate stress and promote relaxation, which is very important in terms of maintaining mental health.
• Day Centres. Most areas have day centre facilities, where people who are experiencing mental health difficulties can go to spend time with others in similar situations. For some, you need to have a referral to use the facilities. Others have drop-ins where anyone experiencing mental distress can go. The CMHT's or local Mind group will have details on what is available in the local area. The services provided at day centres vary widely. Some provide groups, training, self-help groups, leisure activities, emotional support and somewhere to go and have a cup of coffee and a chat with a friendly face.
• Leisure activities. It can help enormously to pursue an interest that you enjoy. This is a good way of relieving stress. It does not matter what the activity is, as long as it is one that you can enjoy and can do regularly. A few examples of activities are swimming, painting, yoga and walking.