Over the last few weeks we've talked about the benefits of getting outdoors - known as Ecotherapy, how we use our senses to interact with nature and the way different cultures approach wellbeing around the world.
But all these blogs aside, recognising you have a mental health problem and seeking help is the best thing you can do.
Visit our Mental Wellbeing Hub to find out more about the benefits of nature and camping, advice, tips and charities and organisations that can help if you aren't feeling 100%.
If you’re suffering from mental health problems, you should talk to someone. You may find it useful to tell someone close to you, like a family member or close friend, so they are aware of how you are feeling.
If you’re suffering from mental health problems like low mood, anxiety, depression, stress and other issues, you may feel inadequate, useless, or like you’re a burden. You’re not. You may have irrational thoughts, panic attacks or thoughts of self-harm. This is normal, but you should reach out for help.
We’ve put together a list of charities, organisations and services that can help you.
NHS 111 offers medical advice to those who need help but not urgently. You will talk to a healthcare professional who will ask you questions about how you’re feeling and what to do next. Call 111 on a landline or mobile or visit 111.nhs.uk
Talk to your GP They will be able to offer reassurance and refer you to specialist services that can offer therapy and treatment. They may also prescribe you medicine to help you manage your mental wellbeing like antidepressants.
Talk to Samaritans If you’re feeling alone or have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. Someone will be able to talk to you. All calls are confidential and they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Top Tip:
Make time to worry Designating a time to worry lets you focus on your anxieties for a set amount of time and clear your mind for the rest of the day. Make a journal or diary or download the WorryTree app. Don't block out your worries - that's the worst thing you can do.
Anxiety UK anxietyuk.org.uk
For those struggling with anxiety.
British Heart Foundation bhf.org.uk
For those with physical conditions relating to the heart.
CALM thecalmzone.net
For those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Diabetes UK diabetes.org.uk
For those with physical conditions relating to diabetes.
Every Mind Matters nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
NHS Mental Health portal.
Heads Together headstogether.org.uk
For those suffering with all mental health issues, supported by The Royal Foundation of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.
Mental Health Foundation UK mentalhealth.org.uk
Advice, research and studies about mental health.
Mental Health UK mentalhealth-uk.org
For those suffering with all mental health issues.
MIND mind.org.uk
For those suffering with all mental health issues.
NHS Mental Health Services nhs.uk
For those suffering with all mental health issues.
NSPCC nspcc.org.uk
For children suffering with mental health issues.
One You nhs.uk/oneyou
NHS physical and mental health portal.
Rehab Recovery rehab-recovery.co.uk
Creating Inclusive & Diverse Addiction Treatment for all
Rethink rethink.org
Advice, resources and careers service for those affected by mental health problems.
Stonewall stonewall.org.uk
Largest LGBTQ+ charity in the UK, offering help and advice for those struggling.
Thrive thrive.org.uk
Offers gardening to bring about positivity for those in ill-health, those with disabilities or those who are vulnerable.
UK Government Covid-19 & Mental Health Advice gov.uk
Official advice from the UK Government regarding mental health and Covid-19.
Young Minds youngminds.org.uk
Mental health service for children and young adults.
First of all, well done for taking this important step.
They will probably ask you how you're feeling. If you are able to identify your mental issue(s) then you should do so and describe how it affects you and how long it has affected you.
If you're unable to self-identify then your doctor will run through some questions to help them understand how you feel.
Once they have a clear idea of what you are struggling with, they will likely discuss what happens next. In the UK, you will most likely be referred to an NHS mental health service that will offer therapy and further help. Your doctor may give you leaflets, booklets, print-outs and websites for you to read and they may also discuss possible medications.
You will be supported throughout your journey by medical professionals
Try the NHS One You free quiz to get your health score, along with personalised advice and easy tips for healthier living.
(NHS One You will ask you to sign up but you have a choice to continue without doing so. Any information you give is confidential.)
Audible audible.co.uk
Reading not your thing, not try an audiobook
Calm calm.com
Online application helping with sleep and meditation.
English Heritage english-heritage.org.uk
Explore England’s long history.
Forestry England forestryengland.uk
Protecting and maintaining England's forests.
Great British Gardens greatbritishgarden.co.uk
Listing notable and open gardens across the UK.
Headspace headspace.com
Online application specialising in meditation and guided relaxation techniques.
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens kew.org
Discover, explore and learn outdoors.
National Parks UK nationalparks.uk
Representing the UK's National Parks.
National Trust nationaltrust.org.uk
Discover historic houses, castles, gardens & coastlines.
Outforia outforia.com
Connecting you with nature.
RHS rhs.org.uk
Royal Horticultural Society gardens and partner properties.
Alan Rogers Travel alanrogers.com
Worldwide Caravan & Motorhome Holidays worldwide.alanrogers.com
Alan Rogers Rallies rallies.alanrogers.com
Caravan and Motorhome Club caravanclub.co.uk
With thanks to
Mark Lang, Communications and PR Manager at thrive.org.uk
David Brackenbridge, Chief Executive Officer at venturescotland.org.uk
Gaby Pilson, Outdoor Educator at outforia.com
Victoria Philpott, Travel Blogger at vickyflipfloptravels.com
Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Pharmacy, doctorfox.co.uk
Compiled by Alan Rogers Travel
Getting out in nature is great for improving your mental wellbeing and picking up your mood. If you want to get outside and stay outside for a few days, we recommend visiting a small site where you can find a quiet space.
We've included a couple of our favourite sites in England but, once travel restrictions ease, there's nothing stopping you for venturing further afield.
Included in our guides:
2020
Situated on the southwest edge of Dartmoor, this holiday park has been developed in the grounds of the old Langstone Manor house. The touring pitches...
Included in our guides:
2023
This delightful, small, family-run campsite is situated just 5 miles outside of the stunning Medieval market town of Shrewsbury. Surrounded by countryside with views of...
This campsite is now permanently closed.
Included in our guides:
2020
Polruan Holidays Camping and Caravanning is a small site that has recently been acquired by new owners. It is a rural site in an elevated...
Included in our guides:
2021
Cheddar Mendip Heights Camping and Caravanning Club site is half a mile north west from the village of Priddy. There are picturesque views across the...
This is an award-winning site that is exceptionally well maintained and set beside the River Tone, in a pretty part of South Somerset. Tony and...
Included in our guides:
2023, 2020
Tents were first pitched at Fen Farm in 1923, and since then, the park has ‘grown rather than developed’ – something of which owners Ralph...
Ben Tully
Visual Design & Content Creation
Ben deals with all things design, working on the visual design of our annual guides, Destinations magazine, information leaflets, social media and email campaigns, and much more across the Alan Rogers, Rallies and Worldwide brands. He also produces written content for our blogs alongside our other contributors.
