Mental Health and The Community

The community mental heath team are there to helpusually be assigned a key worker, which can be
those who are suffering from mental health problems.anyone in the community mental health team. The main
The first port of call for anyone who thinks that theyresponsibility of the key worker is to make sure that
are suffering from some kind of mental health problemthe individual is getting all the help he or she needs.
is your doctor who will be able to recommend the rightThey will regularly assess the progress of an individual
sort of help.and report back to the rest of the team.
The community mental health team consists of aCommunity Psychiatric Nurse or CPN
number of professionals who are trained in theirThe key worker will often be a CPN who will usually
specific areas and can include psychiatrists,make regular visits to people with mental health
psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers,problems in their own homes. They offer an important
and of course the community psychiatric nurse orlifeline for people who are feeling isolated and alone
CPN. Some specific problems or issues that can arisewith their mental health problems or who are
in addition to existing mental health problems or whichexperiencing particular difficulties. They are aware of
can exacerbate or trigger mental health problems andthe many issues surrounding mental health and can
which might need extra consideration include:listen as well as help people talk through their problems
� Financial problemsin a setting in which they feel comfortable.
� Physical disabilitiesThe CPN will liaise with and work closely with other
� Housing issuesmembers of the team to make sure that any practical
� Divorce or relationship problemssupport and assistance is offered when needed. They
� Childcare issueswill assess the individual regularly and will discuss with
Certain kinds of mental health problems may result inthem the effectiveness of their medication and any
different needs and may therefore require someside effects they might be experiencing. The family
specialist help to deal with and these can include:and loved ones of a person suffering from mental
� Elderly depression and dementiahealth problems often need additional support in order
� Child or Teen depressionto understand mental illness and to be able to cope
� Postnatal depressionwith it, the CPN can offer practical advice and
� Bipolar disorderguidance.
� SchizophreniaOccupational Therapists
Obviously, finding one person fully qualified and skilled inOccupational therapists help individuals to cope with
all of these areas just isn't possible so the communitypractical issues on a day to day basis in areas such
mental health team work together in order to ensureas dressing, toileting and feeding themselves and can
that the best advice and support is available as manyhelp individuals regain some control of their lives.
of the professionals involved will be trained in specialistSocial workers
areas that allow them to offer a better service toSocial workers can ensure that an individual gets
people suffering from specific problems. So what sortaccess to various social services that will improve their
of people make up the mental health team?quality of life and that they may be entitled to such as
Psychiatristhome help, respite care and perhaps admission to day
Patients can be referred to a psychiatrist by theiror residential centres. They can also offer assistance
doctor. After an initial assessment, the psychiatrist willin dealing with housing needs, financial difficulties or
recommend a suitable course of treatment andother social problems.
medication. If a mental health problem is particularlyThe best care
severe then they are also able to recommend that theMany other people can be involved in the community
individual be detained in hospital for a period of time.mental health team including various support workers,
However, this is a last resort and also requires thetherapists, counsellors, and of course loved ones.
approval of another doctor and a social worker whoTogether they all make sure that the individual
all agree that this is the best option for an individualsuffering from mental illness gets the best care
concerned either for the individual's safety or for thepossible. Each team member can make a valuable
safety of others.contribution to the individual's quality of life and can help
Psychologistthem not only to cope with their illness on a day to day
Psychologists have an understanding of humanbasis but to regain control over their lives and integrate
behaviour, emotions and how the mind works andwith the rest of the community in a positive and
although they cannot prescribe medication they canproductive way.
offer various types of psychological therapies. PatientsDepression and anxiety are serious mental health
can be referred to them by the doctor or otherconditions that can strike anyone at anytime. For more
members of the community health team.information about depression and selp help come and
The Key Workervisit our site.
People suffering from mental health problems will