Where to go if there is a problem

Weighed down by problems? Want help to feel better? Find out where to go for the right help and advice and to find out what therapies and treatments are available.

The first stop should be your GP. Not only will they be familiar with your medical history, but they will be able to direct you to the appropriate treatment.

Don't feel worried about going, your GP is there to help with your mental health as well as your physical health and every day they will see people who are feeling anxious, depressed or are having problems coping and want someone to talk to. In order to help, your GP will try to find out what's bothering you. It could be anything from work stress and anxiety to relationship problems, poor housing or living with a chronic illness.

The first step may be referring you a local organisation that can help with your practical problems. However, your GP may decide that you need more specialist help and may refer you to the Primary Care Mental Health Service based at Stepping Hill Hospital, the single point of access to mental health services in Stockport. 

What support is available?

There are a number of different ways that you can be supported. Please note that some of these therapies may be available under the NHS and some may only be available privately.

Talking therapies
Anyone can ask their GP for talking therapy. Exactly what kind of therapy you will be referred to will depend on what the problem is but may include Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, Psychiatry or family, couples or group therapy. 

Medicines
If you and your GP agree that you would benefit from medication, there are various options that can help with conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, mania and other mental health problems.

Specialist care
More serious mental health problems such as bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia require specialist care, and you will be referred to a psychiatrist at Stepping Hill Hospital or one of the local Community Mental Health teams. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, talking therapies and 24-hour support if necessary, which may take place at home or in hospital.

Other support
Specialists can refer you to employment and training schemes which support mental health needs at the same time as providing work and education. They can also offer help in the community through crisis resolution teams, who you can call in an emergency.

About services in the community

 

There are also a number of agencies that can offer you support to live your life in a way that meets your indivudual needs and choices.

List of support agencies

 

Who to contact

We do strongly recommend that you go to your GP who may then decide to refer you on to more specialist services.

The Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) have trained counsellors who may be able to offer support. Contact Stockport MIND, Stockport Women's Centre or Self Help Services on 0161 480 2020 for more information.

Or you could contact the Crisis Accommodation and Home Support Service (CAHSS). The service helps to resolves problems and offers counselling, practical and emotional support and can help with alternative and supported accommodation.

Useful contacts

Please note that links to websites will open in a new window.

Stockport MIND
Address: Dove House 65 Union Street Stockport SK1 3NP
Phone: 0161 480 7393
Fax: 0161 480 7393
Web: www.stockportmind.org.uk
Email: info@stockportmind.org.uk

CAHSS
Address: Unit 5, Nelson Business Park, Nelson Street, Denton, Manchester M34 3ET
Phone: 0161 336 7231
Fax: 0161 335 0633
Web: www.cahss.org.uk
Email: info@cahss.org.uk