Mental health
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Developing a refreshed mental health strategy across North YorkshireThe County Council, in partnership with other agencies, listened to people who use mental health services in North Yorkshire. As a result there is now an understanding that services will need to be reviewed and an increased emphasis placed on recovery and helping people to get on with their lives. You can read more in the | ||
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Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time and one in four people will experience some form of mental illness. There are many different types of mental health issues, from mild problems to more severe and enduring problems. Some examples include: abuse and neglect; addictions; Alzheimer's disease; anxiety; dementia; depression; eating disorders; grief and loss; and stress and trauma.
If you, a relative or a friend has a mental health problem, it can be treated and recovery rates are good. Your doctor or GP will be able to explain more about the various treatments available for mental health problems.
Getting help for mental health issues
The first point of call for mental health problems should be your doctor or GP. They will then either treat you or refer you to your local community mental health team for help. You can find your local doctor or GP using the NHS - find and choose services website.
One aspect of treating someone with mental health problems is the Mental Health Act (1983) assessment. This is an assessment as to whether someone requires compulsory treatment for their mental illness, or can be supported in another way and outside hospital. You can find more information on the role of the approved mental health professional page.
The Mental Capacity Act
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a statutory framework to empower and protect vulnerable people who are not able to make their own decisions. The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards is an addition to that act, which came into force in April 2009. You can find more information from the frequently asked questions below.
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Related information from NHS ChoicesMental healthIf you're having mental health problems, you're not alone. One in four of us will have problems with our mental health at some time in our lives. For more information on mental health issues and how to get help and support, see the Mental healthpage from NHS Choices. Find mental health supportSee the Find mental health supportpage from NHS Choices for information about the types of support available for mental health issues. Depression self-assessment testThere are many symptoms of depression, including low mood, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, lack of energy and problems with sleep. The more symptoms someone has, the more likely they are to be depressed. This Depression self-assessment testfrom NHS Choices will help you to assess whether you could be suffering from depression. Credit crunch stressIt's normal to feel worried, anxious or down when times are hard. Job insecurity, redundancy, debt and financial problems can all cause emotional distress. There are however, many things you can do to help yourself if you're in a difficult situation. For more information, see the Credit crunch stresspage from NHS Choices. Top 10 stress-bustersThe keys to good stress management are building emotional strength; being in control of your situation; having a good social network; and adopting a positive outlook. See the Top 10 stress-bustersfrom NHS Choices to help you deal with stress in your life. | ||
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