What is Mental Illness?
NHS Dorset provides mental health services for West Dorset. The Trust is committed to improving mental health services for its local population and works in close partnership with social care and health departments. For mental health services provided in east Dorset please go to Dorset Healthcare Trust website
What is mental illness?
Occasional anxiety, grief, stress or depression are common to us all, but we usually 'get back to normal' relatively quickly. For some people though, these feelings may be unusually intense or prolonged and can seriously affect their ability to cope with the demands of their every day life. They may also experience extreme mood swings, feelings of persecution or hear voices that no one else hears. Like physical illness, mental illness can be mild and easily treated, or more serious and need lengthy treatment. There are many different types of mental illness and people react to their illness in different ways, but most people become well again with the right treatment and support.
Could it be me?
Mental illness can affect anyone at any time. It is very common, and it's possible that you or someone in your family will be affected at some time in your lives. Mental illness can be very worrying and upsetting for the person with the illness and also for their family, friends and carers. They may all need some support and someone to talk to.
Accessing services
It's often difficult to admit to a mental illness, even more difficult to ask for help. Many people talk first to their GP or someone in the practice. They can refer people with less severe illness to a counsellor or voluntary organisation who may be able to help solve their problems by talking things through.
People with a developing serious mental illness should be referred to their local community mental health team. Everyone being treated by the specialist mental health services in the community is supported by members of one of west Dorsets joint CMHTs.
The team uses the integrated care programme approach. Staff work closely with the person with mental illness, their family and carers, putting together a care plan that suits the needs of the person who is ill and helps them and their family live as normal a life as possible.
The care plan names a care co-ordinator from the CMHT who will be the regular contact with the team. It also clearly sets out how to get help in an emergency.
The integrated care programme approach is the way in which the specialist mental health services help you. It means that as well as looking at your mental health needs, they can also offer support with a range of other help that might affect your recovery from mental illness or return to independent living.
So as well as arrangements for your psychiatric care, treatment and medication, your care plan could include practical help, support or advice on housing, employment, personal relationships, money matters and benefits.
Confidentiality
All details about patients and their illness are subject to NHS Trust, Social Care and Health Services and Nursing and Midwifery Council guidelines on confidentiality. This means that staff cannot disclose any information about patients or clients in the community without their knowledge or permission. Only other health professionals or social care and health services who are involved in your care may refer to your medical notes.
Further information about confidentiality can be found in a Trust leaflet on this subject.
If you wish to make a comment or complain about a local mental health service please go to the contact us or patient advice and liaison services section.