Let's get this mental health support going in 2020.x

hhsol04

Hi guys….
I myself have quite severe physical and mental health issues,with few people to talk to!I’ve searched high and low for a place just to chat…And without paying through the nose or being judged by others,I can’t find anywhere!I go day’s without talking to anyone,and I’m not alone.1000s of people from all walks of life are suffering alone unnecessarily.If only we had somewhere free and already able to reach 1000s of sufferers!
We already have… giffgaff already have a caring and inviting community.So would it be possible for us already giffgaff members and others welcome to have forum to air our thoughts and have communication with other like minded individuals?
Mental health issues along with suicide are ridiculous…And with all the stigma a lot of people suffer in silence..With us all being behind screen’s I feel it would give people the chance to talk without being judged! Further down the line maybe make friends…
But more importantly we are all in the Health forum for a reason,to talk and be heard with a sympathetic reply from your fellow, sufferers/ giffgaff gaffer’s alike!! Thanks guy’s xx
I came up with this idea, because I’m a complex sufferer and we need a new way of communicating and helping others with there life struggle’s. yes that would be a great idea to put links on of different support sites

here is a couple ive just seen online

MIND
telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday) or text 86463
Email: <email removed>
https://www.mind.org.uk/
Mind is a mental health charity in England and Wales. Mind offers information and advice to people with mental health problems

LETS TALK
http://www.letstalkhull.co.uk
Health Care Partnership
they can help people understand what they are feeling and help them get the support that they need.

NHS services
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/mental-health-services/how-to-access-mental-health-services/
this link here will advice of all the nhs services and how they can help

time to change
https://www.time-to-change.org.uk

Samaritans
Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call)
Email: <email removed>
Website: https://www.samaritans.org

Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line
Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (9.30am - 4pm Monday to Friday)
Email: online contact form
Website: http://www.rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice

Saneline
Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm-10:30pm)
Website: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline
Saneline is a national mental health helpline providing information and support to people with mental health problems and those who support them.

The Mix
Telephone: 0808 808 4994 (11am-11pm, free to call)
Email: Helpline email form
Crisis Support: Text ‘THEMIX’ to 85258.
Website: www.themix.org.uk/get-support

The Mix provides judgement-free information and support to young people aged 13-25 on a range of issues including mental health problems. Young people can access the The Mix’s support via phone, email, webchat, peer to peer and counselling services.

Elefriends
Website: http://elefriends.org.uk/

Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. Elefriends is run by Mind.

SHOUT
Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

Text: 85258
Website: https://www.giveusashout.org/

hope some of these could be put on the thread if made , or become any use to any one on here now even x

You and dtuxcomp replied to this.
Hey my friend’s…. Here’s a fantastic amount of information..Found and shared by @sophiejam92 for you to take a look at when and if required…Stay safe,stay friendly and take care.
Steve

bill48er

hhsol04 Hi,
We already have a couple of non-phone sub-forums, like photography and Forum Games. So if there was enough demand for a "health and well-being" sub-forum it would be fairly easy to set up.
An idea I could support.
Let's see what others think.

ray2

hhsol04 Yes i would totally support a health and wellbeing forum,mental illness and physical illness are so difficult to live with,to be able to chat with others is the first step in helping to not feel alone.

anth006

hhsol04 as I've suggested elsewhere I would give my support to a well-being forum. I think somewhere to chat and share tips could be helpful to many.

davidvarley

hhsol04
Sound like a brilliant idea to me. 👍

frenchielove

hhsol04 sounds really good, we have had things like this before, like you say, talk without being judged, but of course always refer to professional advice as non of us are qualified to do this.

ray2

hhsol04 Also to add to my above post,why not put up an the idea in labs and put the link to it on your post here and see what response you get,the more members want it the more chance giffgaff might implement it 😄

I also wanted to say we need to think about how you want the forum to work when making your idea on labs,Anyone going too deep and giving out too much information(as this is a public forum),members feeling low/suicidal we can only advise members to seek help,we are not professionals.

But a chat about having a crap day,feeling lonely,maybe a few jokes to cheer each other up, or just going over the day you have had,members coming together and having a chat to help each other feel a little better i'm all for that 😄

orangeman33

hhsol04 Personally I think this is a fantastic idea and I am defiantly for a forum page revolving mental health. Myself I suffer from depression in the winter months so I can feel lonely myself and pretty down so I understand your point. I think mental health is a very important topic and there is defiantly ways it could be better supported.

richybhoy36

hhsol04 Hi i have bad mental health and physical issues ! I called my local crissis team on thursday and felt more suicidal after the fone call as i felt that they couldnt get me off the fonee quick enough ! And made fun of the position I was in as the last time I was like that I set a fire and sat down in the middle of it ! I am disgusted tbh.

alantony1

hhsol04 Hi there should be some sort of permanent dedicated thread for this issue to be talked about there was at one time but it ended up being locked the reason given was if my memory serves me right none of us were mental health expert's because some advice given was treading a fine line.Hence it was banished. Myself I'm a great believer in debating in a honest and open fashion. Alan

dtuxcomp

hhsol04 As others have mentioned we have had threads on this subject before but it's difficult for the Educators as they have to consider all members well being with giffgaff being a family friendly forum so can include children. I'm always happy to chat with anyone who is struggling either via public threads or PD's so if anyone reading this thread ever needs someone just to listen, send me a PD or give me an @ mention in a public thread, it might take me a while to get back to you ( I'm currently catching up on over a weeks worth of posts here and on other platforms 🙂 ) but I always will.

There's nothing stopping you creating a thread to talk about your own issues which you can also open up to others input, as long as the Ed's don't think it's getting too close to the line. Or you could start a PD about it and add in people as you go, anyone added to a PD can read and post just like a public thread, maybe even do both, start a public thread about it and then if people want to join a private discussion about it you could then set that up, not sure if this makes any sense but if not tell me and I'll try to be clearer.

Either way, good luck with you own battles and call out if I can help in anyway 💗

Take care,

Dave.

twinkletoesneil

hhsol04
what a great idea people will be behind you I’m a mental health sufferer and never can seem to find the right support

stellamobile

hhsol04 I think this is a fantastic idea thumbs up from me

goofygirl

hhsol04
There use to be a good discussion, a while ago. I i think It was very good, not sure where it went though. Cant remember the full id off the lady who started it. But she had lots of responses.

sludds28

hhsol04 brilliant idea! I myself struggle so I know exactly what you mean about feeling alone.. It would be nice for people struggling to have a safe space on here to chat.

sophiejam92

hhsol04 hey, I came up with an idea on here like this some years Ago. I gained alot of friends by it but I always felt like I was repeating myself, because I suufer with mental illness and sometimes tmyou just think will I ever have a good day, wil things ever be ok..... I made some friends on here which was nice, and I've spoken to samaritans and to be honest they caan only listen. They don't help haven't me when ive called.
but your not alone. If you ever need to chat feel free to Message me. I don't no you. You don't no me, we can't judge what or who we don't no 😉 feel free to talk to me about what you do or don't want to, don't get me wrong Im not a professional Councillor. But I am a professional at knowing what it feels like to have no one understand or listen. So if u ever need that chat feel free to message me... May do us both some good eh 😀

georgecooksey24

hhsol04 I think it’s a great idea I fully support this

lynmurray76

hhsol04 sounds a great idea im no expert in mental health but its always gd to listen to ppl ive worked in mental health wards for over 8 years as i says im no expert but sometimes all ppl need is someone to talk to andcsomeone to listen even if its only in a chat x

dtuxcomp

hhsol04 Sorry for the confusion, we get so used to the jargon that goes with these forums it's easy to forget it can be a foreign language when you're not used to it 🙂

The short rundown is that each thread is a whole conversation made up of individual posts. So this message to you is a single post in reply to your post, all of these posts are in a thread, that's what you started when you wrote your first post here ➡️ hhsol04 that is the Original Post or OP

Each thread appears in a section or tag, this one is currently in General Discussion, which is where everything that doesn't fit in any of the others tags tends to go, the suggestion is that perhaps we could get a tag just for mental health discussions that was either public or a closed group that people would ask or be invited to join, this part of it would have to be set up by giffgaff, we can only start new threads as members.

I know that's probably left your head spinning so don't worry about the details, between us we can deal with that, we each bring something to the table, it really doesn't matter as long as people can reach out and post when they are feeling in need of a chat and that we can all support one and another 🙂 I'm not sure where all the threads we've mentioned are, some have become dormant, at least one was shutdown, I talk about my issues in my thread about Mrs D and there's a thread by @richybluecfc on the subject, I can find links for those if you want ?

kathleen414

hhsol04
Yes from me and iam always happy to have a chat if a member needs an ear

caro120

hhsol04

there shouldn't be stigma in this day and age and anyone that is nasty their opinion isn't worth taking any notice of, usually they got problems too and baggage?

great, can have chat on here anytime.

hope you can get your confidence back to reach out to people again?

i think we all get days when under the weather and want to get away from it all.

have you got interests can build on and find others that share those? can be very encouraging?

our local talking change/ mind/ mental health place was doing courses in mindfulness with chap who had got into buddhism I think. they also did yoga and shortish group walks.

think this way GP gives you a form to pass on to council and you say what need help with, whether practical help or community services..

I just went to one one of the mindfulness sessions and cos perfume sensitive found numerous people in room gave reaction so didn't pursue it..

some of the parks look for volunteers, gardening is very relaxing and just getting out in fresh air with nice people can be good.

services should come up with ideas, something that you can engage in?

if stuck indoors is important to do some appropriate keep fit so when do go out you feel physically strong enough to deal with it.. muscle weakness really does creep up on people.

sorry you going thru difficult times and hope find resolution on this, pm and chat anytime!

this way you seem to have to wait 6 weeks for counselling, think off top of head it was a couple of weeks to wait for someone to ring up, luckily I'm not too bad but feel for people that are desperate and it's important to ring 111 if you need more urgent help.

hhsol04

hhsol04
Good evening to all....Hope we're staying strong and focused with our lives my friends 💗👍
Keep talking,stay involved,stay in touch with loved one's and support eachother were we need it....Ask that colleague if they are ok,say hi to that neighbour with no one....But most of all help yourself...Every life's worthy of a happy one!!!

Stay safe my friends 🙌💗

Steve

frenchielove

hhsol04 also, wanted to say, in 2018 out of the blue, my mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and we were told nine weeks. Nothing prepared us for that! Worst nine weeks of my entire life, nursing her at home until her last breath.
The horror and pain we went through as a family, well I will never recover.
My point being, throughout all that, every day I posted on giffgaff, it was like my safety valve, laughing at jokes, commenting, support from friends, it really did help me get through, just that escape to normality.
Will never get better, just learn to cope ❤️

roomey1991

hhsol04 sounds like a brilliant idea! 👍

jawlesscrawdad

hhsol04 thank you for your post! I've been battling mental health issues my whole life, specifically depression/anxiety. My whole life fell apart in 2013, I lost practically everything. In 2015, I attempted suicide. I've fought long and hard to come back from the depths of it, which I've been able to do with some amazing support. It's hard for me to write it all down again, but I was able to give my first positivity talk last month in Portsmouth, opening up about the full story, explaining how I was affected and what suicidal thoughts feel like. I got so many questions and was thrilled that people came away with a better understanding of mental health issues.

The reason I say this is that I am always here to listen if anyone wants to talk. Please feel free to reach out to me and I'll do my best to help. Alternatively, the OP has listed some amazing resources that I've used myself, can absolutely recommend them.

Above all, be honest about your situation. Leave out nothing and you'll get the best help to overcome it.

gedbell

hhsol04 fantastic idea mental health touches us all in some form, and there should be no barriers to getting help 👍

evoquegiff

hhsol04 brilliant idea

chery91330

hhsol04 its ok not to be ok and we are all here to listen not judge!!

rubyr18

hhsol04 Thank you for your post. I too suffer debilitatingly and struggle alone mostly. I am a Carer, my support group which kept so many going has closed for however long. YouTube has mindfulness VT's, which I'm going to try as very scared for my sanity!!

mary476

hhsol04 thankyou for all the info

shnajib

hhsol04 The powers in believing so give yourself a chance 👍🏿

laurabenito

hhsol04 sounds like a great idea. Specially now, all this isolation due to coronavirus is making things worse.

mazha86

hhsol04 Fabulous

menwith

hhsol04 Keep in mind: You are either Aiding Humankind by following the Lock-down procedure, OR you are supporting the "Enemy/Threat" which means even ONE person Can be responsible for thousands of future Deaths. I highly Doubt anyone wishes to look back, from future times, realising that they are/were Responsible for carrying and then spreading the Virus to others...

This Global Pandemic is Very Very Real. Be A Warrior !

Thank you.

neilj51258

hhsol04
Great idea that is we can get through this and help others who suffer from mental health issues as some do get the help they need

anton12094

hhsol04 this is helpful as with this virus peoples mental health will be at its worse

killian12

hhsol04
Hiya,
Just heard on The One Show that it's Mental Health Awareness Week starting on Monday.
Thought you would like to know, if you don't already.
Like reading all the posts on this thread even though I haven't contributed for a while.
My good wishes to everyone. 😊

shaun41688

hhsol04 I really support all this mental health stuff as I have a brother who suffers from mental illness it's great the work you're doing

jtmadd75

hhsol04
Great idea! I'm in!
Also thanks for the information and links!

varun1234

hhsol04 thank you very helpful links I remember a few years back we had a thread about metal health and I would post and vent on it regularly but nowadays I jus keep everything bottled up

shane99092

hhsol04
Hi, may I just commend you on this post! It takes a lot of courage to admit this in public to many with most who are going to judge. I too suffer just like you and sadly have dark thoughts from time. I've approched three of the services you have named and unfortunately got no support. Personally I feel its just a business to keep certain people in job's and the company afloat with government fund! Fortunately I'm made of steel and am suffering in silence now.
Anyroad, your not alone and I'm here to talk if you ever need to.

spikeymike69

hhsol04 Hi Steve l hope you get the help you need 🙏

toniann10

hhsol04 great idear

jasminyates

hhsol04 great idea, especially during these difficult times

rjs75

bill48er great idea 💡👍

angelfzpz

ray2 I would support a health and wellbeing forum

svirdi7

ray2 this is so true. My dad is sick and so this helps.

sophiejam92

frenchielove I think you commented on my thread a few years back frenchielove, it was aa lovely thread and met some lovely people. But thread was taken down, I'm unsure of why. As I had to get a new sim and phone after a few months and lost contact with people and the thread 🙁

miche22542

frenchielove 👍

jedsam56

This sounds like a good idea to me, as so many people with health issues can feel isolated from society. Unfortunately, along with the many sympathisers and supporters, this kind of public forum might attract trolls. Participants would need to be careful not to include personal identity information.

hhsol04

jedsam56 Definetly woud have every option to be hidden whilst in chat,people will use it more because of the privacy and freedom to of load there feelings....Trolling will happen anywhere and those who do clearly wouldn't care for giffgaff and its community to get stronger as a whole!

nefarius

jedsam56 Spot on there. And no might about it!
One might even add trolling as a mental health condition.

sophiejam92

jedsam56 yes i agree, i think if some one could keep a close eye on the forum if they allow it, then that would be great , as i said before were not professionals, but we understand, so maybe if they have it edited at the top and explained that none of us are professionals and were just here to chatwith people who understand how we feel, when we feel low, but also mention numbers and websites that people can get intouch with if feeling extremely low where they may need professional or medical assistance, for example Samaritans, mind, there doctor, lets talk etc ...and yes i agree personal identity must not be given names addresses personal details should all be keps away, i think thats why this is a good idea though because we dont no each other personally we can not judge on ones past or choices etc

sophiejam92

ray2 yes i think so to , even if the first post or edit is explaining that where here just to chat, and yes we can talk about how we feel and how we get through things etc , but if were feeling low/suicidal or medical/medication choices etc there is places you can call i.e doctor, mind, lets talk, etc ... but yes i agree general chit chat about how our days have been , the odd photo upload with quotes to make one another feel good, helping each other feel better im also all for x

jason1973tess

ray2
I don't know about this I cud make problems you now.
This is not good

hhsol04

orangeman33 Thanks a bunch,its nice to feel there are people out there wanting a place of no judgement and support.I feel for any sufferer and if im ever around then I throw your offer back atcha!And for anyone else that wants a simple chat

allan1954

sounds a good idea to me.

hhsol04

nefarius Wicked my friend!lol

orangeman33

hhsol04 No worries. I never mind talking at all. Talking to 0eople always helps I find. 😀

sophiejam92

hhsol04 you no whats nice about the idea, theres always some one to talk to , when i used to be on the other forum that got taken down, i used to wake up in a morning and think , oh i have friends i need to reply to , because you gain friends from it, yes its not like we can knock on each others door for a cuppa but we can chat on here or pm each other which is nice, just to chat to some one and for some one to ask how your days been like @orangeman33 said it always helps to talk to people and people shouldnt be ashamed of who they are or how they feel, and i totally agree with that x

hhsol04

orangeman33 Good stuff my friend....Ill talk to and support anyone who would like to....
But all those who suffer please remember you are not alone,dont feel ashamed to reach out people!!

hhsol04

richybhoy36 Hi mate.....Start with a well done and a pat on the back for you!!
Sounds like you have bought yourself down from the dark place,not reacted to negative attitudes and here you are still holding on....You my friend are a blimmen fighter,and will win this battle your fighting!!!
Please stay strong find them positives and kick <censored> out of the negatives.....If you want to make this chat private pm me.....STAY SAFE!!!!!

frenchielove

richybhoy36 they should never be doing that job if that is how they made you feel, dreadful!

dtuxcomp

richybhoy36 That's a terrible experience for you mate, I know they are really stretched but there's no need to leave you feeling like that. If you ever need to offload feel free to PD me.

Dave.

sophiejam92

richybhoy36 hi im so sorry you was feeling this way, and im sorry they had treaten you like that, they should of respected how you felt and not got of the phone till you had felt better , or at least given you the help you needed then, have you spoken to your doctor about how you feel, do you have mind or lets talk in your area .... id also make a complaint about your local crisis team if this is how they had treaten you because im sure this isnt how they had been trained x

johnr94160

richybhoy36 Yea completely agree , it sounds like they saying it to you aswell by there lack of interest 👍

frenchielove

alantony1 I remember that thread and I think we all gained a lot from it 🤗

sophiejam92

alantony1 @frenchielove yes that was my thread, i remember having to change my member name and then not long later it had been taken down, shame really i would pop on every day ask how every one was , i remember you both been on there and @goofygirl @nancaz i cant remember any wrongly advice given at the time i was on there , but i did loose contact for a while as i say i had to change my member name and then i hadnt been on the community for a while. but i loved waking up in a morning and people asking how i was or how my day was it was nice, and i was able to see how they was feeling, just felt nice some one taking two mins out of there day to say hi x

surviver

The best view always comes after the hardest climb. Remember you can do it.