Travelling with a mental illness: the best websites to use

10 October 2018

Travelling can be an exciting and eye-opening experience, which many people fall in love with. However, travelling can be challenging and stressful at times, especially if you suffer from a mental health condition.

If you find yourself feeling down, anxious, scared, overwhelmed or alone, there are a number of things you can do to look after yourself and try to overcome these negative feelings.

• Taking care of your physical health will enable you to take care of your mental health; make sure you are getting enough sleep, drinking enough water and eating your correct calorie intake.
• Meditation and breathing exercises can help you relax. These activities can be particularly effective if you suffer from anxiety.
• Physical exercise can have positive effects on your body and your brain. If you can’t find a gym in the local area, why not just go for a run? Or you could explore your local surroundings by going for a walk.
• Keeping regular contact with your friends and family from home will help with any feelings of homesickness.
• Keeping a diary and writing down any negative feelings or anything that is troubling you during the day – so that you don’t keep it all bottled up. Alternatively, speak to a trusted friend or family member.
• Sticking to daily schedules and routines can help you feel better and it also ensures that you take any medications you need at the right time.

If you are concerned about any pre-existing mental health conditions, you can visit your GP or your therapist/counsellor and discuss your concerns with them before you go travelling. However, if you unexpectedly experience mental illness during your travels there are a number of websites you can use that will provide support and advice.


Samaritans
You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if you need to talk to someone about your mental health. For more information on what they offer and how they can help, please go to their website: https://www.samaritans.org.

Contact Samaritans now:
Telephone: 116 123,
E-mail: jo@samaritans.org,
Write to them: Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA.


Mind
Mind offer a variety of advice and support for individuals who are suffering from mental health conditions. You can explore their website to find the right advice and support for you: https://www.mind.org.uk.

Alternatively if you need to speak to someone concerning your problems, you can web chat with someone: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/web-chat/ . The services are available at 9am-6pm (GMT) Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

Contact Mind now:
Phone: 0300 123 3393,
Text: 86463,
E-mail: info@mind.org.uk. 


The Mix
The Mix is for people who are under 25; they offer a free and confidential helpline which is available 365 days a year, either by phone, email or webchat. They also have discussion boards and live chat.

Check out their website now: https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support.

Or contact The Mix now:
Telephone: 0808 808 4994,
Text: Type ‘THEMIX’ to 85258,
To e-mail them please fill out this form: https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team/email-us ,

Visit: https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team to see their other services, such as one-to-one chats.


For more helplines or advice for dealing with your mental health, check out Place 2 be or Gov.uk’s guidance on mental health and travelling abroad.