NHS Sefton Talking Therapies

19/01/2026

Today is Blue Monday and is known as the day that people feel most down in the year. Whether this is due to shorter days, post-Christmas blues or going back to work, this time of year can be particularly difficult and impact negatively on your mental health.

Here are some strategies to help:
Reach Out: Connect with friends, family, or a mental health professional to share your feelings and seek support.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.
Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into manageable steps to reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Acknowledge Emotions: It’s okay to feel sad, but try to identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
Limit Stressors: Reduce exposure to stressors when possible, and prioritize self-compassion.

The link below has some tips and tricks to help you beat the January blues:

Read practical day-to-day tips for coping with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). There's also self-care ideas including keeping a diary and peer support.

13/01/2026

Feeling overwhelmed does not mean you are weak, failing, or incapable.
It means your mind and body are dealing with a lot right now.

You do not need to criticise yourself for feeling this way.
You are allowed to slow down and take things one step at a time.

Be kind to yourself today 💙

08/01/2026

One in six of us will experience mental ill health. At some point in our lives we will know someone who is struggling. That could be us personally or a partner, family member, friend or colleague.

Merseycare have created a series of self help guides covering a wide range of topics such as depression, anxiety and stress which offer users the opportunity to find out more about the causes of mental health issues and provide tools to work through feelings and emotions.

Visit the link below to access these self help guides:

We have a full range of self help guides ranging from depression to anxiety, bereavement and much more for you to download.

01/01/2026

Whether it's to give your fitness goals a boost, put a few pounds back in the bank account or to feel fresher as you boss that alcohol-free streak, the Dry January challenge is your chance to reset your relationship with alcohol at the start of the year and beyond.

Potential benefits of reducing alcohol intake can include:
- Better sleep
- Mental clarity and focus
- Financial savings
- Enhanced mood
- Reduced anxieties
- Lower health risks

If you would like support with reducing your alcohol intake visit: https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/sefton-drug-alcohol - CGL Sefton is a free, confidential service that supports adults with drug/alcohol addiction. When you first visit one of their services, someone will sit down with you to discuss your challenges and goals and answer any questions you have. They can help you to find the tools you need to meet your goals, as well as any extra support you need along the way.

https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-january

The official website for the Dry January® challenge: one month alcohol-free. Take part and reset your relationship with alcohol in January and beyond.

31/12/2025

Some of us love big family dinners, some prefer a quiet night in with a pizza and a favourite film.

Some celebrate early, some over FaceTime, and some keep a meal warm for loved ones working long shifts and keeping the world turning.

This festive season, don’t feel pressured to do what you think you should. Do what feels right for you.

30/12/2025

It's important to prioritise your mental health during the winter months. Whether it's a short walk outside, taking a moment of mindfulness, or keeping on top of your sleep schedule, small steps can make a big difference.

Hub of Hope - http://hubofhope.co.uk/

Hub of Hope is the UK's largest and most comprehensive directory of community mental health services, so you can find help when you need it, wherever you are.

24/11/2025

Talking Therapies can help you understand what you are feeling, build coping tools, and move forward at your own pace.

Our Readiness for Therapy video walks you through what to expect so you can feel more confident about taking that next step.

🎥 Watch the video to learn more: https://youtu.be/NQRPUs70lYE

You are not alone, even if it feels that way. Many people struggle with their mental health at different points in life, and reaching out for support can be the first step toward feeling more grounded.

Talking Therapies can help you understand what you are feeling, build coping tools, and move forward at your own pace.

Our Readiness for Therapy video walks you through what to expect so you can feel more confident about taking that next step.

🎥 Watch the video to learn more: https://youtu.be/NQRPUs70lYE

30/10/2025

As Halloween approaches, many people look forward to celebrations and events. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that this season can be challenging and things such as changes in routine, social expectations, and the transition into colder, darker months can all impact mental health and overall well-being.
Below are a few ways you can look after your well-being during the Halloween period.

10/10/2025

Talking to someone about their mental health.

1. Find a good space to talk without distractions
If you’re worried about someone, try to find a place where you know you can have a conversation without being distracted. Make sure to give them your full attention. It might help to switch off your phone.

2. Listen and ask questions
Listening can be one of the most valuable ways to be there for someone. Show them that you’re actively listening by facing them, making eye contact, and not interrupting. Questions can help you clarify what they mean and also show that you’re actively listening. But make sure the questions are relevant to what they’re saying, and not changing the subject.

3. Ask how you can help
Ask how you can help or make suggestions, rather than telling them what to do next. They might want support with making a GP appointment, help around the house, or just for you to keep things normal and chat about what’s going on in your life.

10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity for us to come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that is matter.

Talking is good for your mental health. And talking about mental health is important. But starting a conversation isn’t always easy. Whether you’d like to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, or check-in with someone you care about, here are some tips that can help.

1. Choose someone you trust to talk to
This might be a friend, family member or a colleague. Or you might be more comfortable talking to someone you don’t know, for example, through a support helpline. It can help to do a pros and cons list about talking to someone.

2. Think about the best place to talk
It’s important to choose a place where you feel comfortable enough to open-up. You might want to choose somewhere private where you’re less likely to be disturbed. You also might want to talk while you do an activity, like walking together.

3. Prepare yourself for their reaction
Hopefully, you will have a good experience when you open-up to someone. But there’s a chance that they may not react in the way you hope. This may be for different reasons, like they may be worried or not fully understand at first. If that’s the case, try to give them time to process what you’ve told them. It might help to give them information to read to help them understand. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself and practise self-care.

10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It’s a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in good mental health.

This year's theme is 'access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies'. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.

If you are in crisis and need support, you can contact:
- NHS Option Mental Health Crisis call 111
- Samaritans Crisis Line (available 24/7) 116123 or you can e-mail jo@samaritans.org (where they usually respond to e-mails in around 24hours).
- You can also text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 – SHOUT is a free, confidential, 24-hour messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

10/09/2025

September 10th is World Su***de Prevention Day, a chance for organisations and communities around the world to come together to raise awareness and campaign for better su***de

Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal. You don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life.