Your mental health - West Sussex

Feeling unable to cope, worried you may hurt yourself or somebody else and/or experiencing suicidal feelings?

If your life - or someone else's life - is in immediate danger, please call 999 or go to A&E.

You can get help with your mental health in different ways depending on what you prefer. All services are free.

Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (also known as the Sussex Mental Healthline) or the Samaritans on 116 123 (both available 24/7)

Visit a Staying Well service (out-of-hours mental health crisis support service for people aged 18+ available in Crawley and Worthing.

Text the word SUSSEX to 85258 (24/7 mental health text-messaging support service).

Download the Stay Alive app - a suicide prevention resource full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.

The following are services that you can either contact directly (details below) or be referred by a GP.

NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression

If you live in Sussex, are over 18 and are struggling with common mental health problems such as feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), you can refer yourself to your NHS Talking Therapies West Sussex.

Services are free, confidential and provide a wide range of support, including courses, online programmes and one-to-one sessions. They aim to help you understand your symptoms and take practical steps to improve your mental health.

NHS Talking Therapies is unable to provide urgent mental health help or support to people experiencing more severe difficulties with their mental health. Instead, please see a GP who can refer you to the appropriate service.

Mental health support at your GP surgery

If you have a diagnosed mental illness or are having difficulties with your mental health and would like coping strategies to help, you can get support with your mental health from the Emotional Wellbeing Service, or similar service, at most GP surgeries. These services can provide you with information, advice, guidance and support.

Contact your GP surgery to find out what mental health support is available.

Experiencing significant changes to your mental health?

You should call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 online for advice if you - or the person you are concerned about - experience a significant change in your mental health and are not already receiving care from mental health services.

This might include:

• Behaving in a bizarre and out of character way
• Having excessive energy or movements, sleeping very little
• Changes in behaviour like wanting to avoid people, lack of basic self-care
• Hearing or seeing things that are not experienced by other people, for example hearing voices
• Having strong beliefs that are not shared by others, for example believing there is a conspiracy against you

Whilst these can be normal experiences, they can also be signs of something more serious.

Social Prescribers can help you access a range of support, services, and activities designed to tackle challenges you may be facing. Whether it’s improving your mental health, managing long-term conditions, or connecting with your community, they’re here to guide you towards the right resources.

Speak to your GP or contact your GP surgery to find out if a Social Prescribing service is available. Please note, waiting times may vary between surgeries.

Are challenges affecting your mental health?

If you're facing challenges that may be affecting your mental health, practical help is available:

• Money worries– Resources to ease financial pressures on our Cost of Living Support page.
• Help with housing – Advice & services to address housing concerns on our Housing Support page.
• Drug & alcohol recovery – Access recovery support with the Drug & Alcohol Wellbeing Network.
• Domestic abuse support – Visit Safe in Sussex for help & advice.

Help is here when you need it. Visit the links to explore support options tailored to your situation.

Not sure what kind of support you need? Whether you’re living with a diagnosed mental health condition or simply need short-term advice, there are community-based groups ready to help.

Pathfinder West Sussex

Pathfinder is a network of mental health support providers covering seven areas across West Sussex: Littlehampton, Horsham, Worthing, Crawley, Chichester, Midhurst, and Adur. Explore the support available in your area by visiting Pathfinder West Sussex.

Support for Carers

If you’re a carer for someone with mental health challenges, resources and guidance are available to help you. Visit Carers Support West Sussex and their dedicated Mental Health Support page for more information.

Find Services with e-wellbeing

Discover mental health services tailored for young people in West Sussex at e-wellbeing.

Sussex Mental Healthline

A free mental health crisis service provided by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, offering support for children, young people, and adults. Learn more at Sussex Mental Healthline.

Your Mind Matters

Resources and support to promote young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Visit Your Mind Matters.

Cruse Bereavement Support

Cruse is a national charity providing compassionate bereavement support through their online services and free helpline at 0808 808 1677. Learn more at Cruse Bereavement Support.