Feeling positive

We understand that a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) may impact on your mood and the way you are feeling.

We have listed below some useful links and mobile phone applications that may support you.

MS Society

The MS Society provides lots of information on their website that may be helpful to you:

• Physical and mental health
• Getting help with emotional support

NHS Talking Therapies

NHS talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered free of charge by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help if you’re struggling with things like:

• feelings of depression
• excessive worry
• social anxiety
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP, or a GP can refer you.

Useful resources:

• Samaritans
  Call 116 123 any time for free 24 hours a day – whatever you’re going through.
• Shout 85258
  Text 85258 for urgent mental health support 24 hours a day.
• Andy’s Man Club
  It’s OK to talk. Men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend support groups across the UK and online.
• Mind
  We’re fighting for mental health. For support. For respect. For you.
• Marie Curie Companion at home service
  Those with a palliative condition or a degenerative neurological condition can access this service for free.
• Relaxation techniques
  Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) provides audio files of relaxation techniques that can help relieve stress and gain a sense of well-being. Available in both male and female voices.
• Self Care – Thrive @CNTW
  Free access to a number of wellbeing apps to support NHS staff with their mental health and wellbeing.
• CNTW Self Help Guides
  A series of self help guides covering a wide range of topics such as sleeping problems, depression, anxiety and stress.
• Sleep problems: Every mind matters
  NHS information and signposting if poor sleep is affecting your daily life.
• Unmind
  A mental health platform that empowers NHS staff to proactively improve their mental wellbeing.
• Sleepstation
  Free NHS access to online personalised support and help with sleep.
• The Sleep Charity
  National sleep helpline, run by a team of specialist trained sleep advisors (calls are charged at local rates).
• Headspace
  Meditation and sleep made simple.
• Calm
  Calm your mind. Change your life.

Headspace and Calm applications are available to download on android and apple devices for a monthly or yearly fee after a free trial period. They contain mindful techniques, meditation support that may lessen stress, anxiety and improve sleep.