Find mental health support to help you cope with your skin condition
In this article
If your skin condition is affecting your mental health, do you know where to turn? Here are some places to start
Ask your GP or dermatologist
If there are any local services that offer psychological support. For example, talking therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling.
Regional and national psychodermatology services
Exist if you can’t find something suitable locally.
Let’s Talk IAPT
In some areas you can self-refer to an NHS service called Let’s Talk IAPT.
Ask for a second opinion
If you aren’t getting the access to the services you need, you can ask your GP or dermatologist to refer you for a second opinion.
Access information from credible sources
Make sure that you access information from credible sources such as the NHS or trusted charities relevant to your specific skin condition.
Avoid trawling through search engines
Avoid trawling through search engines that may have sponsored or unregulated advice that can be expensive.
Be careful about following ‘experts’ on social media, ensure you are taking advice from a legitimate health care professional. You can check the General Medical Council’s register for GP’s and Consultant Dermatologists, the Health & Care Professions Council register for Psychologists, and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy register for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
Call NHS 111 and press 2 for 24/7 access to mental health support.
Remember! The important thing is to reach out to someone, not to suffer in silence. Help is out there.
Help for children and adolescents:
Unsure of how to help young people? Here are some great starting points.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS, available on the NHS.
- School counsellors.
- Other charities including: Changing Faces, Young Minds, The Mix, Papyrus UK and Childline.
- Some apps may also be helpful such as Headspace, Calm, Ninja Focus and Smiling Mind.
Find your nearest clinic
Use our interactive map to find private dermatologists and clinics in the UK & ROI nearest to where you live.
