Mental health support when ADHD or Autism is part of the picture
Being neurodivergent doesn't cause poor mental health — but the world being designed for neurotypical brains often does. Burnout, rejection sensitivity, anxiety and depression all sit alongside ADHD and Autism at much higher rates. This page is a working library of help you can use today — most of it free.
If you're in immediate crisis
Call 999 or go to A&E. Samaritans: 116 123, free, 24/7. Shout: text SHOUT to 85258. CALM (men): 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight).
NHS self-referral (talking therapies)
NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) lets you self-refer for free CBT and counselling — no GP needed. Some areas have neurodivergence-specific pathways. Search 'NHS talking therapies near me'.
ADHD UK free mental health support
ADHD UK partners with qualified therapists to offer free mental health sessions specifically for ADHDers. Apply via their site — first come, first served.
Mind Infoline
0300 123 3393, 9am–6pm Mon–Fri. Confidential information on benefits, advocacy, services and emotional support. Mind.org.uk has neurodivergence-specific guides.
Autistic-led peer support
Autistica's Discover and the National Autistic Society's online community offer moderated peer spaces. AuKids and ND-Connect run group calls.
Affordable therapy directories
BACP register, BABCP register, Pink Therapy (LGBTQ+) and Black Minds Matter all let you filter by 'experience with ADHD/Autism'. Sliding-scale and bursary therapists exist — ask.
If you're medicated and struggling
Don't stop stimulant medication suddenly — talk to your prescriber. Many people need a dose review when life changes (perimenopause, grief, new job).
When everything is too much
ND burnout is real and recovery is slow. Reduce demands, sleep, eat, hydrate, body-double, get sunlight. Therapy alone won't fix burnout — the environment has to change too.
Free 24/7 helplines (UK)
- ·Samaritans — 116 123
- ·Shout — text SHOUT to 85258
- ·NHS 111 (press 2 for mental health)
- ·CALM — 0800 58 58 58 (men)
- ·Papyrus HOPELINE247 (under 35) — 0800 068 4141
- ·Switchboard LGBT+ — 0800 0119 100
Online communities (moderated)
- ·ADHD UK Facebook group
- ·The Mighty (ADHD/Autism topics)
- ·r/ADHD and r/AuDHDWomen (Reddit)
- ·ND-Connect peer support calls
- ·Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network
- ·Black Neurodiverse online community