Domestic abuse can have an enormous effect on your mental health. It is now well accepted that abuse (both in childhood and in adult life) is often the main factor in the development of depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders, and may lead to sleep disturbances, self-harm, suicide and attempted suicide, eating disorders and drug and alcohol misuse.

Don’t blame yourself – your mental health difficulties are not your fault, and you are not responsible for the abuse: the abuser is.

You are entitled to help as much as any other abused person, and if you have additional support needs, you should get help with them too.

If you are experiencing a crisis and need urgent mental health support, please call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk and speak to the NHS Mental Health Triage Service. In life-threatening emergencies, always call 999.

Help is also available from:

 

• Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service

Advice Line (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse) 03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-8pm

 

• Solent Mind: Coronavirus mental wellbeing helpline

A new helpline for anyone who is experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing challenges as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.

Telephone: 023 8017 9049 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm)

 

• Samaritans

Confidential emotional support and listening service

Telephone: 116123 www.samaritans.org

 

For more information: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/domestic-abuse-and-your-mental-health/