If ypu are stuggling with your mental health or feel like you might be in danger please call 999 or Samaritains - 116 123 (open 24/7). Please do not contact us as we are unable to help individuals.
Mental health resources
There are many ways to use writing for mental health. You can journal, free write, or write stories or poems. The process can help you unwind, better understand yourself and de-stress. The following tools have been created to assist you. Talk to your GP or call The Samaritans 116 123 if you are suffering.
Samaritans provide a listening service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In case of distress, call them and talk to them. You should call 999 if you feel you are in immediate danger of harming yourself. Despite how scary it may seem, you deserve to live and thrive, so don't give up.
Using writing for mental health
Stories and poetry have been used to express emotions since time began. It helps you express your feelings without putting them on yourself. You can write a poem about how you feel or a story where the character lives your experiences.
It can help you put things into perspective and help you make better judgements.
If you aren't ready to write a story, journaling is a good place to start. We have some templates to get you started.
Attending a writing group is a good way to meet other writers. We meet every other week at Merry Maid and have online access via WhatsApp. If you would like to come to the meeting either in person or online then send us an email and we will give you the details - ollertonwriters@gmail.com or call/text 07427 607018.
How journalling can help your mental health
Journaling can help you understand your thoughts and feelings. In moments of crisis it can also decrease mental distress. When we aren’t well our minds can be full of thoughts and writing them down makes it clearer. It can help you identify patterns in your behaviour and feelings. You can either write in a notebook or you can use a structured journal. These are available on Amazon. Here is a free template you can download.
Support services local to Ollerton, Nottinghamshire
Samaritans
Samaritans is a listening service that is available 24/7. Call them on 116 123.
MIND crisis clinic - Mansfield
A free service offering advice and support to anyone in a mental health crisis. Help is available at the centre in person and on the phone. Check the website for opening times.
Women’s aid, Mansfield
Womens Aid provide life saving services to women and children affected by domestic abuse. From counselling to the freedom program to emergency support. Check the website for details.
SOS Silence of Suicide
A helpline for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm. 0808 115 1505
Safety plan to help you survive the day
A safety plan can help if you are feeling suicidal or you feel at risk of self-harming. When you have the urge to hurt yourself, use the safety plan. We have developed our own template that focuses on writing and journaling. This can be used with resources given by the NHS or other support services. Click here to download our template.
How to support someone with suicidal thoughts or depression.
Depression and suicidal thoughts can send a person to a very dark place. If it is a loved one going through it then you probably have a lot of questions. MIND have some great resources to help. Click here to read more.
Podcasts and videos
There are a lot of podcasts that focus on mental health. Listening to other people’s stories is a great way of finding new ways to cope. Here’s a selection:
Phone Apps
Finch - a self-care app designed by two people who struggled with self-care while battling depression and anxiety. Look after a pet ‘birb’ by completing self-care tasks. Fun fact, the app was named after Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird. Download on Google and Apple stores for free.
I am - Daily affirmations sent to your phone to build self-love and confidence. Download the free app from Apple and Google stores.