Adults, Emotional and Psychological – Mental Health and Wellbeing
Adults, Emotional and Psychological – Mental Health and Wellbeing
Last checked: October 2026
Living with SMA can affect emotional wellbeing in many different ways. There may be times when changes in strength or mobility, respiratory illness, relying on support from others, or challenges getting the right equipment and services feel particularly difficult or frustrating.
Whatever the reason, if your emotional wellbeing is being affected, talking to someone or finding the right support can help. We also recognise that accessible emotional and psychological support can be difficult to find, particularly support that understands disability and the realities of living with SMA.
With this in mind, we’ve brought together some information and support options that you might find useful. You can explore these in the tabs below and choose what feels relevant to you.
Recorded: December 2025
Mindfulness, relaxation, exercise, using apps and online courses, listening to podcasts. These are all possible ways to look after your mental well-being.
The NHS website has a section on 5 steps > we can all take to improve our mental well-being.
You may already be in contact with others who have SMA and talk about how you handle what worries or challenges you. If not, or you’re interested in other possibilities you could:
- join an SMA UK community network
- listen to some of the community podcasts
- read what people have to say
- come to one of our events.
Getting involved with organisations and groups can be really positive. You might like to look at some of the ideas in this section:
Mental Health Foundation > – information to help people look after their mental health
Mind / information and support. > They also have a network of more than 100 Local Mind organisations >. Each local Mind has their own website with information on what they offer in your area.
Samaritans > – Phone 116 123 – free, confidential, non-judgemental listening service. Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better. You can contact them by email or letter >.
Support Line > – Phone 01708 765 2000 – information on a wide range of problems and confidential emotional support to children, young adults and adults by phone, email and post. They have details of counsellors, agencies and support groups throughout the UK
The Mix > – Phone 0808 808 4994 – free information and emotional support for young people under the age of 25. Helpline, Email, online chat and crisis text services.
Some people find it helpful to talk with an independent trained professional about how they’re managing day to day. It can be an opportunity to express feelings you haven’t wanted to say out loud to anyone in your family or friendship network.
Free Talking Therapy Services:
NHS Talking Therapies > gives an overview.
NHS England counselling > gives an overview of counselling and links to where you can access free Talking Therapies. Waiting lists can be long.
NHS 24 Scotland ‘Living Life’ > – free phone support sessions using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based techniques. You can refer yourself for an assessment by phoning 0800 328 9655.
NHS Wales > offers ‘Silver Cloud’ > a free 12-week course of online therapy. This uses methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
NHS Northern Ireland > Referrals for any talking therapies must go through your GP.
Waiting times for an appointment with these services will vary. They may be very long.
Private counselling:
If you think counselling would be helpful and can afford it, you could consider seeing a private counsellor. These organisations can help you find one:
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) > – guidance on counselling and how to find a suitable counsellor. Phone: 01455 883 300.
Counselling Directory > – online information about different types of counselling and a directory to search for qualified counsellors.
Relate > – Phone: 0300 100 1234 – face-to-face, phone and online relationship counselling services. Fees are charged to cover the cost of the counselling session, not to make a profit.
These private services are offered by people who have SMA themselves:
Emotional Respite > – a counselling service run by Helen Rutherford who has SMA Type 2. She offers support including to those who are disabled, or family members, or who have long-term illnesses.
Experience Change > a cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy service run by Jessica Sturrock who has SMA Type 3. Jessica specialises in anxiety related to being disabled, particularly social anxiety, health anxiety and self-confidence.
Hear4U Counselling > – a counselling service run by Oliver Pool, a counselling psychotherapist who has SMA Type 2.