Urgent help

If you're feeling very distressed, despairing or suicidal and need immediate help, please contact your GP and ask them for an emergency appointment. You can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital.

Our Suicide Prevention Plan has information about how we will contribute towards promotion of well-being and prevention of self-harm in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

Help with your mental health

If you've been feeling low or depressed for more than a few weeks or your anxiety is affecting your daily life, make an appointment to speak to your GP.

Your GP will talk to you about:

• your symptoms
• how long you had the symptoms
• how they are affecting your life

It can be helpful to write down a list of things you would like to ask your GP before you have your appointment.

For more common problems such as depression and anxiety, your GP can give you a diagnosis. For less common problems you will be referred to a mental health specialist in your local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

Further support

The NHS Conditions A-Z has information about specific health problems, which includes mental health conditions.