Wellbeing, stress and mental health
Migration and living through conflict and displacement can have an impact on how we feel and how we behave. People often describe feeling sad, shocked, stressed, and lonely, find it difficult to enjoy things that they used to and feel uncertain about their future. Many people feel this in their thoughts and in their bodies, such as through discomfort in their stomach. People may also worry about their friends and family, and it is common to have trouble sleeping. These are normal reactions to very difficult and often abnormal situations.
Like our physical health, we need to make sure we take care of how we feel and our mental health. The information below is to help you try to find out more about good mental health and where to access support if you feel you need it.
In an urgent situation, call 111.
Press ‘9’ on your phone when requested and then press ‘2’ to select the option for mental health.
You can then ask for an interpreter and tell the caller the language you speak.
In an emergency, where there is a risk you (or someone you know) are thinking about hurting yourself call 999 immediately.
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What can I do?
Relationships and getting to know people in your local community can help. It can help to do activities that you enjoy, make connections with people that share common interests, languages, experiences, and faiths. It can help to play games, be in nature, and do physical activity like walking, playing football or swimming. There are lots of support groups locally that can help you connect with groups and activities. You can find information about some of these on our Search services and support for migrants page.
If you can, eating well, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep can help.
You can find more ideas for improving your wellbeing in different languages on the TRANSLATED HEALTH INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS – Doctors of the World website.
Minds Information and support – (Mind.org.uk) website may also have helpful information.
Accessing support
You can talk to your GP or a nurse about how you are feeling. If you need help registering with a GP then you can get more information on How to register with a GP surgery on the NHS website.
Your GP can tell you about the support that is available to you and how you can access this. It is free to register and to see a GP. Some health services have specialist services who support the mental health of people who are seeking asylum or have come to the UK as a refugee. You can talk to your GP, school or a local support group about accessing these services.
You can also find mental health support that is available in the community or online such as from the Refugee Council – (refugeecouncil.org.uk), SANE – (sane.org.uk) and Young Minds – (youngminds.org.uk).
Always ask for an interpreter if this is needed.