Get support
If you’ve been affected by an invisible condition, or you know someone who has, you might find these suggestions useful…‘Everyone wants to be brave. Very few of us want to feel vulnerable. There is no courage without uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure. Brave is vulnerable.’
– Dr Brené Brown, social scientist
Helpful people & places
Everyone needs help from time to time. When a problem feels too big to handle alone, there are groups or organisations who can offer support. Here’s just a handful we’ve found to be useful.
Find a Helpline
Find organisations offering support for a wide range of needs. Many of which you can contact via phone, email, text or online quickly and easily.
Samaritans
Confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide.
Helpline: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Elefriends
A supportive online community where you can be yourself. Elefriends is run by Mind.
Anxiety UK
Confidential support for anyone affected by anxiety, stress and/or anxiety based depression.
Helpline: 03444 775 774 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm)
Text service: 07537 416 905
Mind Infoline
Confidential advice on where and how to get help for all sorts of mental health problems.
Helpline: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)
Text: 86463
National Autistic Society
The UK’s biggest provider of specialist autism services.
Helpline: 0808 800 4104 (Mon-Thur 10am-4pm, Fri 9am-3pm)
Citizens Advice
Free, confidential and independent advice on welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment and more.
Helpline: 03444 111 444 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Action for ME
Information and advice on living with ME (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome). On the website you can search for local ME support groups.
The Mix
Judgement-free information and support for young people (13 to 25-years-old) on a range of issues, including mental health problems. Webchat is available via the website.
Helpline: 0808 808 4994 (11am-11pm, free to call)
Crisis support: Text ‘THEMIX’ to 85258
Access to work
Get help at work, including a government Access to Work grant, if you have a disability or health condition.
Pain Concern
A charity dedicated to supporting people with pain. Check out the videos and radio programmes.
Helpline: 0300 123 0789 (Mon, Thur, Fri, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm)
Do-it
Carers
If you’re a carer needing support you can contact any of the organisations listed here – as well as Carers Direct and the Carers Trust.
Inspiration
Soothing voices and wise words. A few of our favourite self-help videos, animations and podcasts.
Tara Brach meditations
Airing pain (Pain Concern)
Compassionate Mind
Best of Brené Brown
Headspace
Insight Timer
Taking care of ourselves
Self-help tips from Hidden Stories contributors.
The Hidden Stories support group
The Hidden Stories Facebook support group is a safe space for sharing thoughts or asking questions.
