**The Mental Health Thread**

[Armageus]

It's that time of year again - so just leaving some resources here in case anyone needs them, or knows someone who might.

(Don't be afraid of using them that's what they are for - having recently had to reach out to someone, I should know)


Even just checking in on someone over the festive period, might just save their life.

	NHS Mental Health​ ​ Call: 111 (Then select option 2) Available: 24/7 Mental health services Find out how to access NHS mental health services and where to get urgent help. www.nhs.uk
	The Samaritans Call: 116 123 Available: 24/7 Samaritans - Here to listen Samaritans works to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more. www.samaritans.org
	CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) Call: 0800 585858 Available: 5pm - Midnight Suicide Prevention Charity | Campaign Against Living Miserably We’re the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a suicide prevention charity on a mission to help people end their misery, not their lives. www.thecalmzone.net
	Give Us A Shout Text: SHOUT to 85258 Available: 24/7 Shout: The UK's free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text service Shout is the UK's first and only 24/7 text service for anyone struggling with their mental health. Text 'Shout' to 85258 for free, confidential support anytime, anywhere giveusashout.org
	Suicide Prevention UK Helpline Call: 0800 587 0800 Available: 6pm - Midnight Suicide Prevention UK Help & Support | SPUK Charity 1187866 If you’re going through a tough time and need someone to listen, contact us free. We won't judge you or tell you what to do. You don't have to face this alone x spuk.org.uk
	Mind UK Helpline Call: 0300 102 1234 Available: 9am – 6pm Mon-Fri https://www.mind.org.uk/
	Papyrus HOPELINEUK Call: 0800 068 4141 Available: 24/7 Under 35’s Only Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide PAPYRUS UK is a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK | Call PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Now www.papyrus-uk.org
	SANEline Call: 0300 304 7000 Available: 4pm – 10pm SANEline services SANEline is a national out-of-hours helpline offering emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness. www.sane.org.uk

 

[The_Arbiter]

It's a bit daft asking if anyone has any intent on making a new year's change for better, but I have almost coincided with it with deciding to visit a GP and talk about some intense stuff in a final attempt of trying to seek help, so thought I'd ask.

 

[Rob_B]

I feel like resolutions add pressure and if you are unable to do <thing> anyway then adding that pressure just makes it harder.
If someone however uses it to take that first step then I think that's brilliant so happy not-quite-a-resolution resolution

 

[marinersfan]

Mine has been slowly going to **** the nearer I am to going back to work.
I would be good not to have another 2024 though.

 

[ShadowMan]

Despite a good end of 2025, with being alone over new year I am overthinking a lot of things and sinking back into paranoia based on absolutely nothing. Convincing myself that things are worse than they are and questioning everything or every tiny detail that is irrelevant to the current situation.

I wish I could switch my brain off. Need to head back to normal routine and out the holidays behind me.

 

[Psymonkee]

I still exist although haven't been here in while. Things are going ok and I finally have a diagnosis from the NHS and shockingly enough although depression is a symptom it's not the actual problem. Shocker I know.

Treatment started a week ago (on Christmas day actually!) so need to wait and see how things go.

Struggling with elderly parents and their poor health now instead. Life, uh, finds a way. Or something.

 

[Epburpee]

I decided that I was gonna try some personal growth and it's a coincidence that it's new years. Think I've developed a degree of a chronic stress issue, and my body is giving me hints about it. That's just one side to it.

Developing a plan currently. Personally, I've lost some confidence because I tried multiple times, albeit a long time ago, and didn't make the changes I wanted. But I'm older and hopefully a bit smarter now.

For me NYs is a hype train which inevitably slows. Got to be ready and resilient for the dips and life curve balls. Don't put pressure on myself and be a stern but kind parent with myself. Personal growth is a marathon not a sprint.

​

Edit - Plan is basically to commit to counselling. Best thing I can do. Currently working in what to say to them and make some.clear goals of what to work on.

 

[Epburpee]

Double post.

 

[The_Arbiter]

Despite a good end of 2025, with being alone over new year I am overthinking a lot of things and sinking back into paranoia based on absolutely nothing. Convincing myself that things are worse than they are and questioning everything or every tiny detail that is irrelevant to the current situation.

I wish I could switch my brain off. Need to head back to normal routine and out the holidays behind me.

Sounds exactly like me. I just exercise my way to my bed every night, it really isn't sustainable.

Edit - Plan is basically to commit to counselling. Best thing I can do. Currently working in what to say to them and make some.clear goals of what to work on.

Just a heads up on the counselling, not all of them are any good. You may need to shop around, so to speak. Also have a look into the different models/ styles they use. I currently have a weekly free one through college, it's not great. Though one I did pay for was alright, but gets pricey quick.

 

[Moley]

I made a post Facebook sticking the middle finger up to 2025 and praying for a better 2026. The responses I got from friends and family were hugely supportive and really cheered my heart. Everyone telling me that 2025 was the end that needed to happen, I've had multiple people telling me over the past few months that they've seen me wither as a person during my marriage to her and they are all looking forward to seeing my glow up in 2026. So many comments telling me what a good man/father I am and how proud people are to be my friend or related to me. My uncle in Ireland, who I'm in touch with but haven't seen for years posted this and it really boosted me. Hope 2026 is a better year for us all!

Moley, you are an incredible man. One of my many nephews, but one I’ve always watched with deep admiration and pride.
I truly believe that 2025 was simply a season of clearing the way, making space for you to rise and thrive in 2026. I have absolute faith in you. You and your children are going to be more than okay—not only because you deserve that future, but because your strength, character, and determination won’t allow it to be anything less.
You’ve got this, and you’re not walking the road alone.

 

[ShadowMan]

Turns out all my overthinking and paranoia wasn't. The new relationship I started end of last year fizzled out and I had picked up the right signs. Despite talking everyday and plenty of dates and meeting up every few days, she wanted to just be friends and said there wasn't a romantic connection. During our talks she gave the impression she was talking and seeing a few people so maybe I just didn't make the grade. Appreciated the honesty and said goodbye as I am not interested in being just friends when I felt a little more and was hoping it would develop. Helps my brain to know I was picking up signals and not just being paranoid but also a bit gutted that its done. Still better now than dragging it out.

Back into the void of dating in your 40's and figuring out how to meet people! Still more positive than I have been in ages despite the setback.

I am going to make an effort to attend my first AMC Monday 12th when I don't have my boy with me as a way to get out the house. I felt normal again for the end of 2025 and won't let isolation beat me this year as its too easy to just stay home and rot in front of the TV. Taking a more proactive effort to keep my head level and sane this year.

I need to find more ways to get out in a my week on my own and meet actual humans and get a social life!