Website recommendations

• National Association for People Abused in Childhood
  The site of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood. Information about the Association, help in finding a local support group, e-mail support, advice on finding a therapist, legal advice and articles on abuse.
• Survivors UK
  Survivors UK provide support, help, and information for men who have been raped or sexually abused. They have a nationwide helpline. They provide counselling, based in London, and have a list of counsellors nationwide who have particular understanding of sexual assault on men.
• Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre
  Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre. Free confidential support and advice by telephone or email. They also run a support group in Oxford.

• SMART
  SMART drug and alcohol services in Oxfordshire. Offers counselling and advice, in Oxford and other areas, if your drinking or drug taking is a problem. Offers support for relatives and carers. A drop in service is provided in parts of Oxfordshire, so you can self refer.
• Alcoholics Anonymous
  The site for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Information about the organisation, the ‘12 steps’ to recovery, and how to contact the AA.
• Al-Anon/Alateen
  The site for Al-Anon/Alateen. This organisation is to support and help people who are, or have been, affected by a family member's drinking habits. The site gives information about the organisation and how to find meetings and other help from them.
• Alcohol Concern
  Information on the effects of alcohol, how to cut down on over-drinking, information about policies and reports relating to alcohol, and links to other sites.
• Patient.co.uk: Alcohol and Sensible Drinking
  Information on alcohol units, the dangers of heavy drinking, and some tips on reducing drinking.
• Drink Aware
  A site aimed at students. Information on alcohol and its effects, sensible advice on drinking and help if alcohol is becoming a problem.

• Anxiety UK
  Anxiety UK is a supportive and informative organisation for many types of anxiety problems. Covers general anxiety, anxiety about social situations, health anxiety, many types of phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Provides information about the anxiety problems, managing oneself, and on various sources of help. If you want to subscribe, you can get a magazine and access to a range of specialised help.
• Anxieties.com
  A comprehensive site covering general anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety about social situations, health anxiety, many types of phobia, and post-traumatic stress. Each problem has a self-help guide to work through. There are suggestions for further reading and a self-assessment questionnaire.

• The National Autistic Society
  Information on many aspects of autism, including Asperger's Syndrome – a type of autism which makes relating to others difficult but does not impede academic functioning. Includes a description of Asperger's syndrome, tips on how to structure one's living situation, sections getting a suitable job, and sources of help.

• Royal College of Psychiatrists: Bereavement
  This page on bereavement describes the normal processes of bereavement. The sorts of problems that occur in unresolved grief are also described. Suggestions are given on how to seek professional help and how to help someone else who has been bereaved. A reading list and links with other relevant sites are provided. A further leaflet explains your emotions if you loose someone to sudden death or suicide.

• Chinese Mental Health Association
  The association provides a range of services for Chinese people with mental health or emotional problems. They provide both face to face and Internet based counselling, befriending (where available), advice and more.

• Students Against Depression
  A comprehensive web site aimed specifically at students. Includes information about depression, ways to help oneself, information on seeking other help and considers depression in context of society and student life.
• NHS Choices: Clinical Depression
  Covers symptoms, causes, treatments, information on medications, and support organisations.

• Women's Aid
  A comprehensive site with articles and information about domestic violence. Includes help on keeping safe and coping in the home, advice if deciding to leave, information on legal rights, and campaigns. Despite the title of the web site, the site also addresses male victims of domestic violence. Also includes advice on getting help if you are the one being violent.
• Refuge
  Information and advice concerning domestic violence. Provides help whether you choose to stay with a violent person or whether you choose to leave the home. They have a free telephone helpline.
• Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse
  A site run by Oxfordshire County Council. Advice and help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Provides telephone numbers for local and national sources of help. Explains what provision can be made for those who choose to leave home, including in an emergency.

• British Dyslexia Association
  Contains information about the BDA itself and local dyslexia associations, tips on reading / writing / computer use, advice on finding jobs etc, news items, and articles about assessment for dyslexia.
• Brainhe.com
  Brainhe.com is a non-commercial / non-profit making resource website for students and staff in higher education. It is developed to help those with AD(H)D, Asperger's, autism, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Visit the site for information about these various types of neurodiversity, and get tips to help you.

• Talk to Frank
  Contains facts on many different drugs, tells you how to get help, has a section for those worried about someone else, and has reports and stories. You can e-mail for help or use the telephone number supplied.
• Narcotics Anonymous UK
  This organisation works similarly to Alcoholics Anonymous, encouraging you to join a local NA group to help you stop taking drugs. The site gives information about the organisation and details of local groups. There is a questionnaire to see if you are addicted.
• DrugWise
  Extensive site. Includes detailed information on many drugs, including effects and risks. News and research items. Information about the law. Information on treatments for withdrawing from drugs. Extensive links to other web sites.

• Student Minds Peer Support Group
  We run student support groups so that students experiencing mental health difficulties have access to a supportive environment in which they can talk openly about life, university and mental health. Groups run by Student Minds are held both at Oxford Brookes University and Oxford University. Email if you have any questions, to find out when the groups meet, or for more information.
• Overeaters Anonymous
  A nationwide organisation welcoming anyone who has problems with compulsive eating or over-eating. Runs local groups to provide support and help. No fees are charged. It is not affiliated with any public or private organization, political movement, ideology or religious doctrine. There is a an Oxford group which runs on Wednesdays at 7.30pm at West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Road.
• Beat Eating Disorders
  Site of the Beat Eating Disorders. Information is provided on symptoms and causes of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Provides ideas for recovery and on supporting someone with an eating disorder. Has message boards and a forum.
• NHS -conditions -Eating Disorders
  NHS website describing types of Eating Disorder and information on how to access appropriate support and treatments through the NHS
• Cotswold House
  Specialist Eating Disorder Service through the NHS. As well as information about the services offered by this specialist service there are useful resources and links to other websites and services recommended by the NHS
  
  

• Rethink Mental Illness
  An organisation for those with severe mental illness. Information about the organisation, living with severe mental health problems and interacting with the relevant services
• Bipolar UK
  The website of the Manic-Depression Fellowship. This is an organisation that you can join if you have manic-depression, or have another interest, such as knowing someone with manic-depression. The web site gives information about manic-depression and associated problems, details about services offered by the fellowship and how to access these services, explanations about self help groups and how to join one, and links to other relevant sites. It has an interactive section with bulletin boards and chat rooms.
• Patient.co.uk
  A very comprehensive health site, covering both physical and mental health. It includes information on symptoms, self help, medicines, books, news and more. look out for the ‘information leaflets.’ Mental health issues covered in detail are panic attacks, shyness and social anxiety, depression, manic depression, schizophrenia, stress, eating disorders and others.

• OCD-UK
  Site of OCD-UK. Information about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, self-help tips, information about treatments and support groups, research projects and more. There is special section for students.
• Anxieties.com
  Set up as a self-help site. Explains obsessional compulsive disorder and other related problems. For each problem there is an extensive self-help section.
• OCD Action
  This site describes obsessive-compulsive disorder. It gives information on local support groups, has a questionnaire to see if you suffer from obsessional compulsive disorder, has stories from other people, information on treatments, suggested reading and web links, news stories and more.

• Anxieties.com
  Set up as a self-help site. Explains panic attacks and other related problems. For each problem there is an extensive self help section.
• Patient.co.uk
  A very comprehensive health site, covering both physical and mental health. It includes information on symptoms, self help, medicines, books, news and more. look out for the ‘information leaflets.‘ Mental health issues covered in detail are panic attacks, shyness and social anxiety, depression, manic depression, schizophrenia, stress, eating disorders and others.

• Rape Crisis
  A sensitively written site covering rape and sexual abuse. It is useful both to victims and to their friends and families. It gives advice on responding to someone who has been raped or abused, covers facts and myths, reporting to the police and court procedures and information about the organisation. It provides details of local help lines and counselling support, including Oxford . It also gives advice in case you are worried about anyone knowing you have visited the site.
• Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre
  Free confidential support and advice by telephone or email. They also run a support group in Oxford.

• ReligiousTolerance.org
  An extensive site giving a lot of information on many religions. It includes articles on religious topics. The site itself is set up to promote religious tolerance.

• University of Texas at Austin CMHC: Self-esteem
  Leaflet on where self-esteem comes from, why confidence can be low, and ideas on building self-esteem.

• National Self Harm Network
  A campaigning organisation. Includes myths and their correction. List of resources such as organisations and web-sites.
• Harmless
  Provides support through email, post and online forums. The website includes information about self harm and suggested coping strategies.
• Recover Your Life
  Supportive site for self harm: contains a forum and live support chat room, information and tips for coping, and a creative section with art, poetry and writings.
• Life Signs
  A supportive site which can help you reduce self harm. Has many helpful tips on resisting the urge to self harm, advice on coping with scars, a message board forum, and links to other sources of help.
• Helpguide.org: Cutting and Self-Harm
  Information on why self harm occurs, gives tips on self help and supporting others who self harm.
• Self Injury Support
  This is a national organisation supporting young women in distress, specialising in helping those who self harm. the website provides information about self injury and ideas for coping. The organisation provides a telephone helpline, text and email support, and produces some booklets which you can buy on line.

• Stonewall
  A campaigning organisation for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. News articles, information on the law, information on relevant social issues. Articles on current campaigns.
• Pink Therapy
  You can find a private therapist experienced with lesbian / gay / bisexual / transgender issues from this site. It also recommends a few books.

• National Sleep Foundation
  Information on sleep and on several types of sleep problems, including insomnia and sleeping too much. Lots of tips and information.
• Insomnia? 42 Simple Tips to Help You Get to Sleep
  Well established techniques for improving sleep. Site also includes details of relaxation techniques.
• Sleepio
  Sleepio is a digital sleep improvement programme designed to help people who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night.

• Medline Plus
  This website provides links to other sites on stress. The sites include facts about stress, suggestions about coping and/or seeking help, information about treatment options, research articles and more. The quality and type of links are variable. Medline also covers other topics, including post-traumatic stress.

• Centre for Academic Development
  The Brookes service which helps with problems in studying, writing, exams, referencing, maths and Academic English. Site includes information on how to contact the Centre for Academic Development services and online study advice.

If you feel suicidal, there are many sources of help. You can contact your doctor or arrange for an assessment with a Brookes counsellor. You can ring the Samaritans or Oxford Nightline.

• Papyrus
  An organisation dedicated to providing help and support for anyone dealing with suicidal feelings, suicide or depression. It specialises in suicidal feelings in teenagers and young adults. It provides supportive guidance for those feeling suicidal and for friends and families affected by suicide. The website provides self-help guidance, lists self-help resources, and links to other sources of help.

• MentalHelp.net
  An online book on various psychological problems. Includes depression, anxiety, phobias, stress, managing anger, relationships and motivation. Examines causes and takes you through self-help strategies.
• Mental Health Foundation
  Information on various mental health problems: causes, symptoms, treatments and self-help. Covers depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, manic-depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, sleep problems, eating problems, substance abuse, self harm and many other problems. Information on obtaining help.
• Rethink Mental Illness
  A site aimed mainly at teenagers and young adults. The site looks at dealing with daily stresses and provides tips on how to cope. It also contains information on mental health problems. The focus is on understanding mental health, and information is given on symptoms, relevant research, and various types of treatment. Covers depression, mania and manic depression, and schizophrenia. The site gives web-links to relevant organisations.
• Mind
  The mental health charity. As well as information on the organisation, there are downloadable fact sheets and booklets. These include: student life, panic, worrying, sexual identity, mental health problems, pre-menstrual tension, counselling and medical treatments. and many others.
• Patient.co.uk
  A very comprehensive health site, covering both physical and mental health. It includes information on symptoms, self help, medicines, books, news and more. look out for the "information leaflets." Mental health issues covered in detail are panic attacks, shyness and social anxiety, depression, manic depression, schizophrenia, stress, eating disorders and others.

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
  Information about the association and its sub-divisions, its policies and codes, and its publications. You can find a therapist from members of BACP. The site includes the United Kingdom Register of Counsellors, which only includes counsellors who have had sufficient training and met the other requirements of the Register.
• UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy)
  Information about the Council and its member organisations, training in psychotherapy, and the Council's Code of Ethics. You can search for a UKCP therapist or check whether a therapist is on their Register.
• BPC (British Psychoanalytic Council)
  Information about the Council and a description of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. You can find a BPC registered therapist through the site.
• British Psychoanalytical Society and the Institute of Psychoanalysis
  Information about the organisation, and details of training and forthcoming conferences / events. It includes reviews of books and articles. There is an online register of psychoanalysts.

• Mind
  Information on the mental health charity, its campaigning for mental health rights, and the publications you can order from them. Many on-line fact sheets and booklets on mental health topics from coping with everyday problems to severe mental health problems, information on treatments, and much more.
• Sane
  A charity concerned with improving the lives of those affected by mental illness. Information about Sane, and about mental health issues and treatments. Includes information on depression, mania, anxiety, phobia, schizophrenia, obsessional problems and drug/alcohol abuse.
• Royal College of Psychiatrists
  An extensive site, with information about the College, its publications, research and conferences. Includes ‘leaflets’ on various mental health problems.
• Society for Psychotherapy Research
  The site contains information about the Society and its journal.

• Internet Mental Health
  A large medically orientated site covering many ‘disorders.’ Information on symptoms and recommended treatment methods for particular disorders. There are links to other sites for many of the disorders.
• National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
  Provides research based guidance on best practice in treatments of physical and psychological problems.