Mental Health Awareness Week – 12-18 May
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is all about Community — and how being part of a supportive, safe, and welcoming community can improve our mental health and wellbeing.
At County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services, we understand how powerful community can be in recovery. Whether it’s through our Recovery Academy Durham, Ambassador Programme, or one of our many groups, we have something in place as part of your recovery journey, when you feel ready.
To mark the week, our colleague Martin has shared a piece on how community supported them through their own recovery journey, using a 3D jigsaw as a metaphor for the interconnectedness that being a part of a community offers.
Read Martin’s piece here.
Mental Health and Substance Use: What’s the Link?
Some people use drugs or alcohol to cope with their mental health, like anxiety or low mood. While this might bring short-term relief, it often leads to longer-term problems — and can make mental health issues worse.
Some substances can also trigger or intensify symptoms of poor mental health, including depression, paranoia, or memory loss. In some cases, the effects of certain drugs and alcohol may also be the same as a symptom that you might experience with poor mental health.
Additional Mental Health Support
There is a range of additional mental health support on offer both within County Durham and nationally. Check out some of the organisations offering support below:
Free support, counselling, and self-help tools.
Call 0191 333 3300
Durham Mental Wellbeing Alliance
Services provide support around low level/low need mental health and wellbeing.
Call 0300 304 5527
Services for the prevention, intervention and supporting of those who have been bereaved by suicide.
0191 387 5661
Shout is a free, confidential mental health text service, available 24/7.
Text ‘Shout’ to 85258.
Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, or experiences challenges with their mental health.
You can contact the free helpline at 116 123. The Samaritans helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Support from Mind is available to anyone who is struggling with their mental health.
You can contact the helpline for free at 0300 123 3393.
The helpline is open Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm – closed on bank holidays.
Papyrus is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide, and the promotion of positive mental wellbeing in young people.
You can contact their HOPELINE247 at 0800 068 4141.
CALM offer services, information and advice to anyone who is struggling.
Call their helpline at 0800 585858.
Silvercloud provides 24/7 online mental health support tailored to you.
Sign up at https://cddars.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/