Mental health

Occasional anxiety, grief, stress or depression are common to us all and we usually get back to normal relatively quickly. For some people though, these feelings may be unusually intense or prolonged and can seriously affect their ability to cope with the demands of their every day life.

They may experience extreme mood swings, feelings of persecution or hear voices that no one else hears. Like physical illness, mental illness can be mild and easily treated, or more serious and need further treatment.

There are many different types of mental illness and people react to their illness in different ways, most become well again with the right treatment and support.

Could it be me?

Mental illness can affect anyone at any time. It is very common and possible you or someone in your family may be affected at some time in your lifetime. Mental illness can be very worrying and upsetting for the person with the illness and also for their family, friends and carers. They may all need some support and someone to talk to.

How do I get help?

Many people talk first to their GP or someone in the practice. They can refer people with less severe illness to a counsellor or voluntary organisation who may be able to help solve their problems by talking things through. You may even be able to self-refer to a locally provided service.

People with a developing serious mental illness will be referred to their local community mental health team.

Staff work closely with the person with mental illness, their family and carers, putting together a care plan that suits the needs of the person who is ill and helps them and their family live as normal a life as possible.