Caring for people with mental ill health

Question 1

What are common mental health problems?

Answer 1

Alzheimer's disease 
Anorexia nervosa 
Bipolar disorder
Dementia 
Obsessive compulsive disorder 
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Postnatal depression 
Psychosis 
Schizophrenia 
Self-harm

Question 2

Who provides care for mental health patients?

Answer 2

Family and friends
NHS
Charities such as Rethink or MIND
Private sector organisations, e.g. the priory group.
Professionals in mental health include psychologists and psychiatrists, and specialists in, for example, mental health related to drugs, domestic abuse or trauma from the impact and settings of war.

Question 3

What Legislation is in place for mental health?

Answer 3

In the most serious cases of mental ill health, people can be detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007). They can be admitted to hospital, detained and treated without their consent, either for their own health and safety or to protect other people. Usually, doctors or other mental health professionals make the decision to detain someone and the police may get involved.

Question 4

How can mental health be prevented?

Answer 4

Prevention is an important part of the process of caring for people with mental ill health. People can help themselves to maintain a good health by:
Talking about their feelings
Keeping active
Eating well
Drinking sensibly
Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones
Asking for help when needed
Taking a break
Doing something they are good at and enjoy
Accepting who they are
Caring for others.