Sometimes life is difficult, tough and full of different pressures. All of these pressures can build up and you may feel that there is nowhere to turn, but there is always someone there that will listen to you and help to release the pressure.

If you feel that you cannot talk to those close to you why not call the freephone 24 helpline on 0800 107 0160 and talk to someone confidentially and without judgement. Talking can help release the pressure which can help you get you back on track and by getting back on track you can be yourself again. Any problem which is causing you pressure can make life difficult – so go on, call 0800 107 0160 and someone will be there to listen.

Find out how talking confidentially to someone has made a huge difference to men in Kent by going to the www.releasethepressure.uk website to find out more.

Freephone 24 hour help: 0800 107 0160

If you are worried that a mate is not coping well under pressure don’t judge them there could be a simple way to make a difference:

Do something together: Car, computer, exercise, garden, walk. Get them to give you a hand. You don’t have to talk but if you want to, doing something together makes it easier.

Keep it real: take it seriously but don’t make it a big deal. Ask them how it’s going. Simple. You don’t need to be an expert, you just need ears. We need to talk about it. It’s easier than you might think, give them the freephone number 0800 107 0160 if they can’t open up to you.

You don’t need any special skills, you just need to be willing to do it. Here’s what you can do if you think a friend is feeling crap:

• Ask: how’s its going? Three words that can make a big difference.
• Keep in touch more: text or email if you can’t meet up.
• Doing stuff together is as good as a chat: let your mate see that you know they are still the same person.
• Talk. Swap stories: don’t ignore the difficult stuff if it comes up - you don’t need to solve it, you just need ears.
• Keep it real: don’t make a big deal of how your mate is feeling but don’t make light of it either.
• Be there: ask if you can do anything.

www.releasethepressure.uk is a campaign by Kent County Council Public Health Department. If you want to know more about the campaign or know of an organisation or group or location that would be willing to help distribute leaflets or display posters then please contact: [email protected].

For information about the FREE NHS Counselling services available in Kent go to:

www.liveitwell.org.uk/support-help/nhs-counselling-therapy-kent-medway

0800 107 0160 is the free 24 hr Mental Health Matters helpline