| When someone suffers from a mental health problem | | | | home visits as well as see you in a clinic. They may |
| whether it is depression or a more serious disorder | | | | specialise in a particular area of mental health and will |
| such as schizophrenia, they are likely to come into | | | | play an important supportive role in helping people cope |
| contact with a number of professionals and support | | | | with their mental health problems by liaising with other |
| workers in the course of their treatment and recovery, | | | | specialists, by providing an understanding ear to talk to |
| so who are they? | | | | and by looking at ways of allaying any fears or |
| For most people the first point of contact is usually | | | | worries you may have. They will also be able to offer |
| their doctor who will be able to assess their | | | | advice on the side effects of any medication you are |
| symptoms, rule out anything else that may be causing | | | | taking. |
| them, and prescribe medication or refer you for some | | | | Occupational Therapists or OT's as they are often |
| form of counselling or psychotherapy. | | | | called, can help you find ways of overcoming practical |
| If the symptoms are severe or complex, or there are | | | | problems and in doing so can help increase your |
| other problems, then your doctor may refer you to a | | | | confidence and your ability to cope on a day to day |
| psychiatrist for a more detailed assessment. A | | | | basis. Social workers on the other hand can help you |
| psychiatrist is a doctor who has undertaken further | | | | with social issues. For example, they may assist you |
| specialist study and therefore has in-depth knowledge | | | | with your application for housing or state benefits, will |
| of the brain and mental illness and will be in a better | | | | help you sort out financial problems, childcare issues, or |
| position to make an accurate diagnosis and to decide | | | | other challenges in your life that if are not dealt with |
| on the most appropriate treatment and medication. | | | | may have a negative impact on your mental health. |
| However if your symptoms are more psychological or | | | | Other professionals you may see include |
| emotional in nature then you may be put in touch with | | | | psychotherapists and counsellors. Psychotherapists |
| a psychologist. Clinical Psychologists have studied the | | | | specialise in the type of therapy they offer and |
| mind and how it can influence behaviour and are | | | | counsellors listen and talk through problems with |
| trained in various psychotherapy treatments. | | | | patients to help them find ways of overcoming them. |
| Psychologists will often specialise in a particular area of | | | | Although a visit to the doctor is the only action required |
| mental health and as such will be in the best position to | | | | for many people suffering with depression and anxiety |
| advise you on what might be the most beneficial way | | | | or other mental health problems, being referred to |
| forward for you. They cannot, however, prescribe | | | | someone else by your doctor doesn't necessarily |
| drugs like a doctor or psychiatrist can. | | | | mean you are more seriously ill. It's just that the most |
| People suffering with mental health problems will often | | | | important thing for a speedy recovery is access to the |
| come into contact with Community Psychiatric Nurses. | | | | right sort of treatment and help from the most |
| CPNs work in the community and will therefore make | | | | appropriate person. |