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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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:

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