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CARING FOR SOMEONE
WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
When someone has mental health problems, supporting them can be a painful
and difficult experience. Help, information and support for you is vital
during this time.
The carer needs most of all to feel acknowledgement for the role they
fill, and that it is important and can be difficult. One should not be expected
to fill this role alone. Caring for someone with mental health problems
can be emotionally demanding and upsetting especially when you see the
person you care for is suffering.
At times you may feel frustrated that they are not being offered enough
help. A particular area of concern can be when the person
you are supporting does not agree that they need help, yet they behave
in a way that may cause problems to themselves and you.
What we can offer you as a carer?
• Home visits and telephone contact for your emotional support needs.
• Monthly social events, daytime and evening, giving
you an opportunity to
share views and experiences with other carers.
• Information – on a variety of conditions, medication and how to access
practical support services.
• Regular newsletter.
• Range of information leaflets.
Looking after yourself
Taking care of yourself is vitally important.
Here are some tips that
may help:
- Involve as many people as possible. This can help with
things like hospital
visiting. Being able to discuss the situation with others who are
fully informed of how things are can be most helpful and supportive.
- Don't feel selfish if you need time out away from the situation:
we all need our own space. This often leads to feeling refreshed and
being more able to cope once back in the caring role. Your GP, Care
Nurse, or Social
Worker may be able to help with arrangements if you have an opportunity
to take a break away from home.
- Take advantage of relaxation opportunities, however rare,
whether
they are in the form of classes or just doing something you enjoy when
you get the chance.
- Try to find someone to talk to who may understand your situation,
to express how you feel as a carer. Talking about your feelings doesn't
always change things, but it can make
you feel better.
- To continue to carry on your role as a carer, your own health is very
important. Eat well and regularly, not forgetting the odd treat now
and then! Try to rest and sleep well as and when you can - although
this is sometimes easier said than done! When possible take yourself
out and treat yourself to something special - you deserve it!
- Lastly be kind to yourself. Focus on what you have achieved no matter
how small it may seem. Each day can be an achievement when you are supporting
and caring for someone - give yourself the occasional pat on the back!
The Mental Health Act 1983
There are occasions when someone maybe detained under the Mental Health
Act 1983. At this stage an approved social worker and psychiatrist would
be involved in this process. There are many sections within the Act.
For
details on specific sections please feel free to contact the Mental Health
Project worker at Carers.
It could mean it is felt someone needs hospitalisation for possibly any
of the following reasons:
• For an assessment
• In the interest of their safety or others
• For medical treatment
• To alleviate or prevent deterioration of their condition
When a person you are supporting is detained under a section this can
be a very confusing and worrying time for you.
Most commonly asked questions include:
• What does the particular section mean that they have been detained
under?
• How long will they be kept in hospital?
• What sort of treatment will they receive?
• Will I be able to visit them whilst they are there?
• What kind of help and support will they receive once they are
discharged?
• What kind of support can I expect as a carer once they are discharged?
• Will they be able to go out whilst in hospital for short periods, once
their condition has stabilised?
• Where as a carer can I receive support and someone to talk to about my
own feelings?
• How do I challenge a decision made under the Mental
Health Act?
There are various agencies and professionals you can take your questions
to, for example:
Who are they?
Questions you may have to do with hospitalisation could be answered by
hospital staff eg the nurse on the ward, a social worker or
mental health nurse via
the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) or
psychiatrist.
Support, information and advocacy plus support groups are available through
us.
A carer can request a separate assessment in their own right,
this can be obtained through the Community Mental Health Team. Although
each case is individual it is possible for the carer to be involved in
the Care Plan this can be invaluable.
Also, the CMHT may be able to help you access the following:
• Residential respite for the person you are caring for.
• Sitting services.
• Transport and escort service
• Projects and breaks aimed at Young Carers
• Work with families to provide advice, education and information.
Abbreviations
At times professionals will use abbreviations; this too can be confusing
- here are what some of them mean:
| ASW |
Approved Social Worker |
| Careco |
Care
Co-ordinator |
| CMHT |
Community Mental Health Team |
| CPA |
Care Plan Approach |
| DOH |
Department of Health |
| MHN |
Mental Health
Nurse |
| MHRT |
Mental Health Review Tribunal (an independent
body, which decides whether a former patient should be discharged) |
| OPCMHT |
Older Peoples Community Mental
Health Team |
| RMO |
Responsible Medical Officer (the
doctor in charge of a formal patient's treatment) |
| SW |
Social Worker |
And finally here are some contacts
who may be able to help
you:
Community Mental Health Team numbers:
Barking
0844 600 1019
Dagenham
0844 600 1021
Older People's 0844 600 1016
Axe Street Project: (For advice &
support for people with drug related problems)
Axe Street
Barking, IG11 7LX
020 8507 8668
Community Alcohol Team
300 Ripple Road
Barking, IG11 7RP
020 8591 6800
Daybreak Drug Project
St. Lukes Daybreak Centre
Dagenham Road
Dagenham, RM10 7UP
020 8595 2010
Depression Alliance
212 Spitfire Studios
63-71 Collier Street
London, N1 9BE
0845 123 2320
Drive
Patient Unit
Riverside
Roxwell Road
Barking, IG11 0PR
0844 600 1042
Health & Information Shop
The Clock House
East Street
Barking, IG11 8EY
020 8532 6200
HUBB (Advocacy service for service
users)
109 Rose Lane
Marks Gate
Romford
Essex, RM6 5NR
0208 590 2666
Rethink
5th floor
Royal London House
22-25 Finsbury Square
London, EC2A 1DX
020 8974 6814
SANE National Charity
1st Floor
Cityside House
40 Adler Street
London, E1 1EE
020 7375 1002
SANELINE: 0845 767 8000
(7 days per week 6pm – 11pm)
TULIP
(Provide Day Care Services for service users)
William Bellamy Centre
334 Heathway
Dagenham, RM10 8NJ
020 8592 3211
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