Site guide
Mental health problems
Coping with self harmMental Capacity Act
The Mental Health Act
Formal care plans
Video - Do you care?
Looking after someone with a mental health problem, as with all types of caring, can be very rewarding as well as both frustrating and infuriating.
With 1 in 4 people seeking help for a mental health problem at some time in their lives, this is an understandably common concern for many carers.
Some of your concerns here could include:
- Coping with the isolation some carers and mental health patients experience
- Coping with the taboo around mental health
- Whether the Mental Health Carers Action Plan will help you
Schizophrenia Commission research (added 23.4.12)
Rethink Mental Illness has launched an independent commission to investigate the current state of care, support and quality of life for people with schizophrenia and psychosis, and their families. The Commission will hear evidence in public across England from health and social care professionals, researchers,policy-makers, people with schizophrenia or psychosis and their families. Key findings will be published in the summer 2012. This is an opportunity for those with direct experience of mental health problems and others interested in mental health, including practitioners and family members, to share their experiences. They want to hear from a diverse amount of people affected by schizophrenia and psychosis. Visit www.surveymonkey.com or www.schizophreniacommission.org.uk
Bipolar research (added 19.1.12)
The UCL Molecular Psychiatry laboratory has been conducting studies into the susceptibility to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism and Alzheimer's disease for more than 20 years. They are looking for people with Bipolar Affective Disorder to help develop a better understanding of the genetics behind these disorders. They strongly believe that learning more about the genetics will begin to make a practical difference for creating new treatments for people with Bipolar Disorder. The project is being carried out by Professor Hugh Gurling at University College London Medical School and is funded by a charity. It involves a short interview as well as having a blood or saliva sample taken by a qualified member of staff. From there, laboratory researchers will look for new genetic associations. Volunteers can be interviewed by a local researcher, travel to UCL or complete the interview over the phone. The interview is strictly confidential. They have full national ethical approval and operate in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Contact Jenny Lange for further information. Tel: 020 3108 2193, Mob: 07432 728978, email: [email protected]
Booklet to help people with mental health problems overcome debt (added 11.4.11)
This free 40 page PDF booklet supported by Money Saving Expert in partnership with Mind, Rethink, CAPUK and others, is for people with mental health problems and those caring for them. It covers how to handle debts when unwell, how to work with banks, free debt counselling, specific tips for bipolar or depression sufferers, whether to declare a condition and more. Download the booklet from: www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/mental-health-guide
You can get more information from:
- key facts on mental health for carers is available to view at www.carers.org
- The Mental Health Carers Video, covering functional illnesses such as schizophrenia, comes with a comprehensive information and action pack. For copies contact your local West Sussex Carers Support Services
- www.head-forward.info - mental health and wellbeing website for people in West Sussex
- www.makingspace.co.uk - help for people affected by schizophrenia and other forms of serious and enduring forms of mental illness.
- www.florid.org.uk - website run by mental health service users for people who have experienced mental health difficulties. It aims to bring together information relating to mental health in a way that is user-friendly and simple.
- Black and Asian Therapists Online - discusses mental health issues from a Black and Asian perspective and has a directory of Black and Asian counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK www.baato.co.uk
- Jewish Association for the Mentally Ill - provides services and support to people in the Jewish community with mental illnesses, and their carers www.jamiuk.org
- www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk - information for people with psychosis. The website has a section on support for carers, families and friends, and young carers.
- www.mind.org.uk - Mind is a national charity which campaigns for better mental health policies and services. Website provides a range of information on mental health problems and issues surrounding mental health
- www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk - clear information, advice and support for families and friends of people who have psychosis. This is a joint venture between the Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, in association with Rethink.
- www.mentalhealth.org.uk - Mental Health Foundation provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems
- www.rethink.org - Provides practical advice, support and information to people who have a severe mental illness, their families and friends. Works for a better understanding, breaking down the stigma and myths about mental illness.
- http://schizofriend.me - an online resource where schizophrenics can connect with each other
- www.together-uk.org - Together is a national charity supporting people who have experienced mental distress and their carers
- www.youngminds.org.uk - YoungMinds is a national charity committed to improving the mental health of all children and young people.
There are people who can help:
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