A carer is someone who looks after a relative or friend who is frail, disabled or ill
Southwark Carers
Cambridge House
131 Camberwell Rd
London
SE5 0HF
T: 020 7708 4497
Caring for someone with a Mental Health problem
Looking after someone with a mental health problem - such as depression, schizophrenia or dementia - is often very difficult. A study has shown that these carers are more likely to suffer from stress than other types of carer.
This page outlines some of the issues and services relating to carers of people with mental health problems. As with all caring it is vital that you take time to care for yourself - see Your Health and Well-being and Breaks from caring for more details.
Health and Social Services
A GP is usually the first point of contact for people experiencing mental health problems and their carers. They can refer patients on to specialist services provided by the appropriate Community Mental Health Team, comprising health professionals and social workers. For emergency treatment you should go to the Accident and Emergency department.
The type of service provided will vary depending on the nature of the person’s illness, but broadly fall into two categories:
- ‘talking treatments’ such as counselling, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis
- drug-based therapies
Some form of occupational therapy is also often used.
If you need advice on any health issue you can contact NHS Direct. They can deal with urgent and non-urgent queries and give free, confidential advice on medical conditions and issues relating to the health service.
Hospital treatment
If the person you care for agrees to hospital treatment, they are a voluntary patient. If it is thought that hospital care is the most appropriate treatment, but the person you care for refuses to go, a compulsory admission is possible as outlined in the Mental Health Act. In such cases the person is sometimes said to be sectioned. This usually only happens after an assessment by two doctors and a social worker, who must consult with the person’s nearest relative.
Voluntary organisations
Southwark Carers works in conjunction with the Rethink Carers Support project. This project provides support, advice and information to people who care for a friend or relative with mental health problems.
Carers Support Groups meet regularly and the project also offers free training through the Carers Education and Support Programme (CESP). The programme covers areas such as: causes and treatments of mental illness; rights, benefits and the law; working with professionals; managing difficult symptoms.
The Mental Health Shop and MIND both produce a wide range of information on mental health related topics.
The Alzheimers Society is a good source of help for carers of people suffering from Alzheimers or any other form of dementia.
SANELINE provides listening and information for people with mental health problems and their carers.
The Mental Health Foundation is one of the UKs leading charities working in mental health and learning disabilities.
The Southwark Carers counselling service offers a free and confidential service to carers.
The Samaritans provide confidential emotional support through their 24-hour telephone service.
Hospitals
St Thomas’ Hospital
T: 020 7188 7188King’s College Hospital
T: 020 7737 4000Maudsley Hospital
T: 020 7919 2047University Hospital Lewisham
T: 020 8333 3000
The advice sections are currently under development and being added to regularly.
If you can't find the information you need, or have any comments or queries please contact us
Southwark Carers is incorporated as a non-profit making company limited by guarantee number 4146495. Charity number 1085300.