About mental health
It is now common knowledge that most people will know someone who has a mental health problem and that this may well be a family member. Common Mental Health problems such as anxiety and depression can affect 1 in 6 people at any one time and mental illness accounts for approximately one third of all illnesses (Source: NHS Direct). Like many health problems, Mental Health issues can be distressing for those suffering but can also have a major impact on family life if help and support, including mental health nursing and treatment, is not available at the right time.
If you think that yourself or a family member has a mental health problem, your first point of contact should be a General Practitioner. They will be able to provide initial help and may be able to seek specialist help from a local Mental Health Teams.
In an emergency, if possible, you should dial 999 and seek assistance from the emergency services.
The NHS Direct can also provide advice on what you can or should do in certain situations by following the self help guide on their website. You can also contact them on 0845 4647 if you wish to speak to someone directly.
On NHS Direct, you can also find information on many different types of Mental Health issues.
There also many different charitable organisations that can provide information and support on specific health issues as well as advice on more practical matters that are related to living with a mental health problem.
http://www.depressionalliance.org/
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/mentalhealthproblems/schizophrenia/schizophrenia.aspx
http://www.mind.org.uk/
Mental health services
Our website provides a description of the range of Mental Health Treatment Services that may be available to you. This section provides descriptions of the role of each professional you may come across and range of services that you can expect from them. You can also find information relating to the Care Programme Approach and how you can expect this to work for you.
For more information
If you would like to talk to us about help and support for you or someone you care for please contact us or visit our Care Finder to find the closest service to you.
