What are /r/MentalHealthUK's favorite Products & Services?

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Hi. I've been diagnosed with BPD. For me personally, the diagnosis did help. I had no clue what was wrong with me until then, and giving a label, although I see why it can be problematic, was so helpful to me.

However, unless your symptoms are very severe they aren't likely to do much even with the diagnosis.

The best thing I've done for my BPD was practise DBT skills. You can do this without a therapist (although a therapist is very much recommended). Check out this DBT workbook which has been invaluable to me. Even if you are wrong, and don't have BPD, DBT skills can help everyone imo.

I use this one currently, because they did a thing with my workplace so got it free: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mindfullness

But I've also used this one: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.lichtenstein.mind.en

Hey there, I don't usually link to Amazon if I can help it but have you/your partner tried or thought about something like this which may be able to help avoid that dilemma? 🙂

Its okay sometimes to do whatever works. It's okay to use wet wipes at times if that's easier.

I know if showering is hard it's likely thinking about speaking to a GP also seems really difficult but would totally recommend getting some support when you feel up to making an appointment.

Generally though I would REALLY recommend the book "How to Keep House While Drowning" by KC Davies, on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Keep-House-While-Drowning/dp/1529900034/ref=asc_df_1529900034/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=570430330025&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11716708203910877650&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&h...

Also, the below video is really good as well. It's nice and short. It made me go buy the book and it has actually changed my life, no lie. https://youtu.be/M1O_MjMRkPg

My pleasure. I saw an OT after my autism diagnosis to look at things that may help my sensory processing problems but a lot of it is trial and error. Everyone is different but all my (adult) autistic friends find having a soft toy helps and I have a soft blanket to stroke as well, one's into chewelry and most of us stroke pets to calm down and talk to them. It all depends if your friend is a sensory seeker or avoider. I'm generally an avoider but there are some fragrancies I really like but most I hate so I'm both a sensory seeker and avoider when it comes to smells. Rocking, humming, lightly thumping my chest, flapping, immersing my face in cold water and other forms of stimming calm me down the most. The OT recommended this book

I use ear defenders that are designed for construction workers. They're really cheap on Amazon and work really well. I've added the link to the pair I bought here Dark tinted sunglasses can be a God send, even indoors, and a stim toy to distract her may also help. I carry about a couple of stuffed toys to stroke to calm myself down. I'm sure you've heard of weighted blankets but they also do weighted lap pads to use when you're out and about.

I'm not sure how much help my comment will be as I don't have much knowledge or experience with OCD and intrusive thoughts associated with OCD etc however I do have anxiety (it mainly presents as Social phobia and Agoraphobia).

As we know not every commonly used therapeutic approach is available in the same place or to the same frequency as elsewhere in the UK (hopefully what I say will be somewhat useful) - The commonest therapy would be CBT however not everyone finds this useful and other options are often limited.

There's a series of therapy-focused books called "Overcoming" - It has loads of titles e.g. Overcoming Chronic fatigue, Overcoming Depression, Overcoming Mood Swings etc. There's also an "Overcoming OCD" by David Veale & Rob Wilson. I've not heard of Wilson (though he seems to have written a few books on Anxiety and OCD) but Prof Veale is a prominent psychiatrist who specialises in OCD, BDD, Health anxiety etc and he's also the lead consultant at Maudsley hospital's "Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma"

I'm not sure if you're under a CMHT or are currently receiving therapy for your struggles but if not hopefully the book linked above can help a little in the meantime.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon x

You could try pre & pro biotics for your "2nd brain"! Inulin powder for pre (cheap on Amazon), and a decent probiotic pill (same), or proper kefir and kimchi. This stuff is great: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CIS70MW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_KJEEX1W1VE97M0HM9WET

You should definitely try CBT for this! I would recommend this self-help journal

Hi OP, I can't help you with finding a therapist but if you have the chance please read this book.I suffered from dehabiliating panic attacks and this really helped - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1493608258/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_KEH5Z1PSTH1Q5CV2S67V

Hope you you can the support you need soon.

You could start by reading this:

https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Unwanted-Intrusive-Thoughts-Frightening/dp/B084T9YVZW

You aren't your thoughts.

Echo the comments in here about looking on professional registers or directories and find someone who follows a code of ethics and perhaps have a look at different types of therapy. Depending on your budget, you could even start one and if it's not a great fit, try another. Also, there was this programme I saw on iPlayer recently about what to watch out for when it comes to online therapists because there are a fair few unethical therapists out there - well worth a watch: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0011hf0/i-can-cure-you-online-mental-health-cures Hope that helps - good luck with the search!

> Young Changemakers will ‘see the recruitment of a group of 16-25-year-olds in England with a passion for or lived experience of mental health and racial injustice.’

> Recruitment for the Young Changemakers programme opened last week on the 7th of September and aims to begin inductions in October. Click here to find out more and how to apply!

Hi there,

So... I have quite severe anxiety (as well as BPD), which one might describe as Agoraphobia. I tried several of the meds you have (Sertraline, Mirtazapine, Propranolol, Diazepam), they all worked to varying degrees.

Recently (this June) my psychiatrist prescribed Pregabalin - Which is licensed for neuropathic pain as well as Anxiety, unlike certain medications like antipsychotics that have been mentioned by others, Pregabalin can be prescribed by your GP. (it may more beneficial for a psychiatrist to prescribe due to their specialist knowledge with mental health but if you can't get an appointment just know a GP can prescribe it)

In the 5 months I've been on Pregabalin, it's certainly helped more than other anxiety meds I've tried. In the time I've been on it, I've actually managed to stay out longer than planned + go somewhere unfamiliar at the same time. There have been some side-effects, but it really does help.

Other things I can recommend is a CBT book designed specifically for those with Agoraphobia - How to Beat Agoraphobia One Step at a Time: Using evidence-based low-intensity CBT

Hope this helps, and if you need someone to talk to who's going through Agoraphobia, feel free to PM me :)

This is an NHS clinic that works online mostly. It has the app for this. I registered in it and assigned my NHS number with it. So, I think, I need to register at a "normal" local GP and show them the summary from the psychiatry.

There’s some good info here on books / apps / websites the NHS recommend for self help. My friend used this book and found it helpful. Best of luck! Hope things improve for you soon.

Hang in there, you're already doing great getting to this position in a very slow system. Start learning CBT yourself! Try this book from Amazon and see if it helps: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1939754852/

There is no obligation to make any purchases but for those who may be interested, Stephens book can be found here