Kully Ingram, Partnership Manager for Birmingham Healthy Minds, said: “Birmingham Healthy Minds aims is to provide support to people experiencing problems such as anxiety, low confidence or self-esteem, depression, low mood and stress. These problems are extremely common and can be caused by everyday life difficulties relating to family, work, study and personal issues.
“In September and October we usually see an increase in problems such as anxiety, stress and feeling low which correlate to the start of the academic year and people feeling anxious about leaving home and going to university, as well as a decline in the weather and less daylight. Parents may also suffer low mood resulting from a teenager going to university and what is known as the ‘empty nest syndrome.’
“We have noticed that figures dip again in the run-up to Christmas because people are so busy and don’t have time to think about their problems but January and February is traditionally a difficult time due to the post-festive slump and the credit card bills landing.”
People can refer themselves by phoning, texting or emailing Birmingham Healthy Minds, using the Amman Walk-In service available at two centres in the city, or be referred by their Birmingham GP. The service offers information, advice and cognitive behavioural therapy which helps people identify thoughts, emotions and behaviour patterns they may wish to change.
Click here to read about Christine’s story of how a referral to Birmingham Healthy Minds led to her completing a cognitive behavioural therapy course and learning some simple techniques to help her manage her anxiety.
For more information or to self-refer, call Birmingham Healthy Minds on 0121 301 2525, Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.30pm; or text BHM to 60777; or visit
www.birminghamhealthyminds.org 
