Mental health
However you’re feeling, we’re here to support you through the good and the bad. Find help, get advice on looking after your mind and how to protect those around you.
How can we help you?
Whatever is on your mind, help is here
Are you worried you can’t keep yourself safe?
If you feel like self-harming, or you feel suicidal, you can get help by reaching out for emergency support through the NHS.
Call 999
Want to speak to someone now?
Talk to the Samaritans, day or night, 365 days a year. There’ll be no judgement, just a listening ear.
Call 116 123
Looking for mental health treatment?
If you’re a Bupa member, call us about your options. Lines are open Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm and Saturdays 8am to 4pm.
Call 0808 231 5114^
Your questions answered
Questions about mental health? Just ask
When it comes to mental health, you're not alone. We’ve partnered with JAAQ to give you the answers you’re looking for. Hear from world-leading experts and those with lived experiences to get honest information from people in the know.
In this edition we talk about mental health. We’re joined by Clinical Psychologist and Head of Mental Wellbeing for Bupa Health Clinics, Dr Naomi Humber. Explore different conditions, how to start a mental health conversation and how to access Bupa support. It all starts with a question.
Select a question using the 'Ask a question' button to begin.
Anxiety and depression: what’s the difference?
Someone may feel both at once, but they describe different symptoms. Let’s compare the two.
Panic attacks: what are the symptoms and treatments?
Panic attacks are common. Let’s look at what signs you can look out for and how to deal with one.
Getting support for different types of addiction
Read about different types of addiction and what support is available for you or a loved one who may be struggling.
Is it normal?
Living with anxiety and depression
Watch in 2 mins
Normal meant a constant feeling of worry for Jameel and suffering with his emotions. But he felt pressure from his family to make everyone happy. Watch our video to find out how we helped.
[Music]
being around other people is the most
natural thing in the world but to me
it's liberating
you don't always realize when
something's happening to you I know I
did it
I've always been a warrior from a young
age my family pull off pressure on me as
I got older my anxiety spiraled I
couldn't leave the house
I'd jump every time the doorbell rang I
was very very low my wife said it breaks
my heart to see like this you need help
I had bubu cover three work so I made
the call to reach out super help me
choose their best I was in control of
who I went to see they were fantastic
with anxiety or depression you always
worry about the next wave so getting the
right treatment for you as quickly as
possible is really important from the
moment you pick up the phone we're here
for you between my therapist my wife and
Butley my confidence is higher than it's
ever been
I'm so grateful for everything big has
done for me
they've helped to change my life
[Music]
you
Is it normal?
Managing an alcohol addiction
Watch in 2 mins
It was common for Alan to drink over two litres of gin a day. He hid it well and hoped no one would notice. But his family did. Watch our video to see what life used to be like for him and how we helped.
- [Alan] If you knew where I'd come from,
you wouldn't think I'd be here now.
After I retired, I was drinking two liters of gin every day.
The breaking point was that my wife said
she was walking out.
So when I rang Bupa, I suppose I'd run out of excuses.
I had a session with a doctor who specializes in addiction.
And he said, "Basically, you're killing yourself."
And he put together a treatment plan.
I went into rehab for 28 days.
- [Sarah] We're here to get you the support
and treatment that you need
and minimize the impact on your family.
We do follow-up calls, keep the conversation going,
just to keep an eye out and make sure you're doing okay.
- [Alan] I've got a lot to thank Bupa for.
I've got my family back,
and I suppose I've got myself back too.
Family, child and teenage mental health support
Talking to teens
about wellbeing
Follow expert guidance on how to talk about teenage mental health.
Supporting mum’s mental health
Life’s busy so here’s what you can do to look after your wellbeing with a baby.
Wellbeing support
for new dads
How to protect your mental health and support your partner day to day.
Tackle teen isolation and loneliness
Get advice on how to spot what ‘normal’ behaviour is and what isn’t.
Concerned about mental health?
With or without insurance, we can help you
If you’re a Bupa health insurance customer
Many of our policies include mental health cover. If you’re not sure if yours does, check your policy documents.
If you’re covered, you can book unlimited GP appointments on the Bupa Blua Health app.† Get a phone or video call appointment within 24 hours.
Or call our specialist mental health team on 0808 231 5114.^
If you don’t have health insurance with us
No problem. We can still help you on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Avoid long waiting lists and talk about your concerns with a private GP.
If you need help right now, please talk to someone. Call Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.
Is your child or teen acting differently?
As a parent or carer, you’re closer to them than most. So, if you pick up on a worrying change in their mood or behaviour, trust your instinct and talk to us.
Bupa members can call our Family Mental HealthLine on 0345 2667 938.^
Not a Bupa member? You can get help and advice from YoungMinds.
How to look after your mental health
Sleep and your
mental health
Regular sleep gives your mind time to rest and repair. But what if you can’t sleep?
What to do when
you feel burnt out
If work stress isn’t managed, it can lead to burnout. But you can come back from it.
How to stay in
control of stress
Discover ways to manage stressful situations and to relax your mind.
10 things to help a
friend with anxiety
If a friend keeps cancelling plans, missing calls or seems on edge, you could help.
Common mental health treatments
Antidepressants
Used to treat common conditions such as depression and anxiety, these small tablets can help stabilise your mood.
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
A type of therapy that can help you change negative thoughts and beliefs impacting how you feel and behave.
Talking therapies
Spend time with a professional talking about your thoughts and feelings. They can help teach you better ways of coping.
Can Bupa help you take control of your health?
Legal Disclaimer
This information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition.
Any information about a treatment or procedure is generic, and does not necessarily describe that treatment or procedure as delivered by Bupa or its associated providers.
The information contained on this page and in any third party websites referred to on this page is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Bupa and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Bupa is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites. We do not accept advertising on this page.
† Customers who live on the Isle of Man, or have a Bupa Standard, Bupa Premium or Bupa Your Choice policy, do not have access to Bupa Blua Health, but can access GP24 provided by HealthHero. Some corporate schemes don't include access to Bupa Blua Health or GP24, so please check your scheme documents or give us a call.
^We may record or monitor our calls. Direct Access specialist mental health line: Lines are open 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm Saturdays. Family Mental HealthLine: Telephone support between 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday via a dedicated helpline.
