Website of the UK government

When a mental health condition becomes a 'disability'

If a mental health problem has long-term effects on someone's normal day-to-day activity, this is considered a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act.

'Long term' is defined as an impairment that has lasted, or is likely to last, at least 12 months.

• Mental health and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

Your local doctor (GP)

If you are worried about your mental health, or that of a close friend or relative, you should contact your doctor. They can offer advice or refer you to specialist services.

All local doctors have access to teams of professionals and support staff offering a range of skills and different ways to help. The team normally includes:

Where necessary, they will work closely together to provide support and services.

If you feel uncomfortable with your doctor you should be able to:

Support from other people

Friends and relations

Often, friends and relations will notice changes in you, so talking to them may be a relief to them and helpful to you. You can ask someone to go with you to a doctor's appointment if you are concerned about visiting a doctor alone.

Specialist services

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, community psychiatric nurse or a counsellor. These professionals will work with you to help you find ways of dealing with the problems you are experiencing.

If you are under 18 years old

Try talking to your parent(s) or someone who has parental responsibility for you. You could also talk to a teacher, youth worker or doctor, or call Child Line. Calls to Child Line are free, and you do not have to tell them your name if you don't want to.

• Child Line website Opens new window

Students

Your college or university may have a counsellor you could talk to. The counsellor may:

For more information, contact student services at your college or university.

Nightline is a confidential telephone support service for students, run by students. You can find out about Nightline services in your area on the National Nightline website. 

• Visit the National Nightline website Opens new window

• Support during your course (general education and learning section)

Other ways to get support and advice

Other people who may be able to help are health visitors, charities and self-help groups. The mental health contacts page lists a number of organisations that offer advice and information on various mental health issues.

• Mental health contacts

Useful contacts

• Mental health contacts