Living well | Mental Health Care Pathway | Wakefield Connect to Support

If you are struggling to manage your mental health you may want to talk to your GP or a qualified therapist or counsellor.

Learn about your mental illness. Your doctor can provide you with information or may recommend classes, books, or websites. Include your family, too — this can help the people who care about you understand what you're going through and learn how they can help.
Join a support group. Connecting with others facing similar challenges may help you cope. Support groups for mental illness are available in many communities and online. One good place to start is the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Stay connected with friends and family. Try to participate in social activities and get together with family or friends regularly. Ask for help when you need it and be upfront with your loved ones about how you're doing.
Keep a journal. Write down brief thoughts or record symptoms on a smartphone app. Keeping track of your personal life and sharing information with your therapist can help you identify what triggers or improves your symptoms. It's also a healthy way to explore and express pain, anger, fear, and other emotions.

The mental health charity Mind has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis . They also have information on planning for a mental health crisis.

Make a safety plan:

If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else, it may help to make a safety plan to use if you need it. The Staying Safe website provides information on how to make a safety plan, including video tutorials and online templates to guide you through the process.

There are steps you can take to help your mental health:

Stick to your treatment plan. Even if you are feeling better stick to your therapy sessions and don't skip your medications. If you have negatived side effects from prescribed medication or other problems with treatment, talk to your doctor before making changes.
Avoid alcohol and drug use. Using alcohol or recreational drugs can make it difficult to treat a mental illness. If you're addicted, quitting can be a real challenge. If you can't quit on your own, see your doctor or find a support group to help you.
Stay active. Exercise can help you manage symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. Physical activity can also counteract the effects of some psychiatric medications that may cause weight gain. Consider walking, swimming, gardening, or any form of physical activity that you enjoy. Even light physical activity can make a difference.
Make healthy choices. Maintaining a regular schedule that includes sufficient sleep, healthy eating and regular physical activity are important to your mental health.
Don't make important decisions when your symptoms are severe. Avoid decision-making when you're in the depth of mental illness symptoms since you may not be thinking clearly.
Determine priorities. You may reduce the impact of your mental illness by managing time and energy. Cut back on obligations when necessary and set reasonable goals. Give yourself permission to do less when symptoms are worse. You may find it helpful to make a list of daily tasks or use a planner to structure your time and stay organised.
Learn to adopt a positive attitude. Focusing on the positive things in your life can make your life better and may even improve your health. Try to accept changes when they occur and keep problems in perspective. Stress management techniques, including relaxation methods, may help.

You can take a look at some websites below which may help you:

Mental Health Support For Young People | YoungMinds
Every Mind Matters - Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more, and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Choose Well - The Southwest Yorkshire Partnership have launched a new guide to help adults in Wakefield to ‘choose well’ when looking after their mental health and wellbeing.
Wakefield Discovery College run short courses and one off workshops across the whole of the Wakefield district to support you to; understand and manage health conditions, find new skills and interests, build strengths and inner resources, engage in physical activity and become an expert in your own self-care. Email: wakefielddiscoverycollege@swyt.nhs.uk