NHS England issued the appeal to mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
The services offer free, confidential support, with people able to contact their local service without first seeing a GP.
Dr Michael Gregory, regional medical director for NHS England in the North West, said “The pressures of everyday life can take a real toll on our mental health, so it is important people know support is available and how they can access it.”
The appeal includes the experience of Tom, from Trafford, who sought treatment for a fear of bees and wasps that began after he was stung on the neck aged eight.
He said “The turning point was when my wife and I got back from a holiday and discovered a bees’ nest outside our front door. I couldn’t use my own front door without feeling panicked.”
Tom referred himself to Trafford Talking Therapies, run by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, and began cognitive behavioural therapy.
After exploring the causes and triggers of his phobia, he worked with his therapist on gradual exposure to bees.
His treatment included a visit to beekeepers at Heaton Park, where he initially observed a hive behind glass. He later joined the beekeepers wearing a protective suit.
Tom said “It’s not about being ‘cured’; it’s about managing situations so they don’t take over my life.”
James Mulholland, from Liverpool, also described receiving support from Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust after years of living with obsessive compulsive disorder.
He said a mindfulness course helped him respond differently to distressing thoughts.
“It taught me not to panic when a distressing thought comes into my head. I didn’t think it would work for me because I struggle to stay still and my mind wanders. But I use it to focus on daily tasks,” he said.
People can find their local service through the NHS Talking Therapies website. Self-referral is available to adults in England, and to people aged 16 or 17 in some areas. The service will assess whether it can help and explain any waiting time.
