Healthy Surrey:

Healthy Surrey

Self help

The self-help tools on this website are evidence based methods to help deal with your emotions and common mental health conditions. We are all individuals and respond to situations in different ways, so not every tool will work for everyone. As with any new skill, with some exploration, time and practice it is possible for everybody to learn ways to manage and improve their emotional health and mental wellbeing.

woman looking at client Last updated: 11 September 2024

Services, self-help tools and resources you can access without GP referral, including online guides, courses and apps.

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Self-help resources

If you're in need of support but don't feel ready to talk to someone just yet, there are multiple local and national self-help resources available for you to browse whenever you wish. These self-help tools are evidence-based methods of managing emotions and common mental health conditions, which could work well for your needs.

Everyone responds to situations and resources in different ways, so not every tool will work for you. However, if you spend some time exploring these resources, you may find which ones you find help support and maintain your mental wellbeing.

  • NHS Every Mind Matters - offers people a personalised mind plan, plus mental health advice, self-help articles, audio guides and videos with tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control. This service is online only.
  • NHS Self help webpages have tips, guides, tools and activities to support and improve mental health and wellbeing (including relaxation and breathing exercises).
  • Guided self help and e-learning is available from Surrey's Talking Therapy services.
  • Surrey Libraries, Reading Well - books with information and support for managing common mental health problems. Find your nearest library.
  • The charity Mind has information and support for family, friends and carers supporting someone with their mental wellbeing. Tips and guides to help you cope with everyday worries and mental wellbeing issues.
  • Royal College of Psychiatrists - User-friendly and evidence-based information for patients, carers, family and friends covering a range of mental wellbeing problems and information on support, care and treatment available.
  • Action for Happiness - Monthly calendars filled with mindful actions, courses on creating happiness for you and others and information on an app with daily action ideas inspiring messages. This service is online only.

Self-help alone may not be appropriate for everybody. If you feel you need more support or these self-help services do not work for you, you can always contact your GP or look at some of the local services you can self-refer to.


Self-help apps

If you have a smartphone, you can access or download apps that can help you manage your mental health and wellbeing. Apps can provide information, tips, games, exercises and self-help to help:

  • Understand your moods and feelings better
  • Learn and practise new coping skills (such as relaxation and mindfulness)
  • Connect with others

Some apps are free, others require a one-off payment or a regular monthly subscription – and many are available from 'app' stores like Apple App Store and Google Play).

The national mental health charity Mind has an App library that lists apps which have checked and meet their quality standards.

A couple of examples of free apps include:

  • Action for Happiness app provides simple, daily action ideas designed to help you boost your own wellbeing and spread more happiness to others around you too. The app also lets you share your own actions and ideas with others in the community. The app is available on iOS and Android.
  • The Staying Alive app is a suicide prevention app, including national and local crisis resources, personalised safety plans, reasons for living, interactive wellness plans and how to help a person thinking about suicide. The app is available on Apple and Android.

It is a good to make sure the app is genuine and secure, especially before entering personal information or paying to use it. Check the reviews in the app store: a real app will likely have hundreds of positive reviews.

The national mental health charity Mind has some tips on finding trustworthy mental health information online.

Further information

Mind plan quiz

For help to manage worries, sleep better and boost your mood, take the Mind Plan Quiz and get your free mental health action plan.

Answer 5 simple questions to get your personalised mental health action plan with tips and advice from mental health experts.

Your Mind Plan will help you:

  • Deal with anxiety and stress
  • Sleep better
  • Feel more in control

Sign up to our 4-week email programme for helpful reminders and more advice that you can make part of your daily routine.

If you're under 18 this quiz might not be the best fit for you. Check out these self-care videos instead.

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