Mental Health

1. Mental Health Jargon Bust Kim Kelly & Frankie Hughes WorkNet Bromley

2. Mental Illness • A term used to describe a variety of symptoms we experience when our general sense of well being is unsettled • For most people mental health problems may be from time to time in their lives when they have experienced periods of mental and emotional distress eg bereavement, separation, divorce, unemployment etc. • Often people receive help and support through family, friends, self help books, alternative therapies etc

3. Primary Care- First tier When these feelings persist people usually seek or may be advised to seek help from Primary care. Your GP is in Primary care and can refer you for counselling, prescribe drug treatments such as antidepressants and monitor your symptoms For most people this will be their only contact with a Mental Health service. 1 in 4 adults will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives.

4. Secondary care – 2nd Tier For some people, approx 1 in 50, their experience of Mental distress lasts a long time and can be severe. Your GP will refer you for an assessment by a psychiatrist or member of a Community Mental Health Team.

5. Community Mental Health Team • A CMHT serves people aged 18-65 and is made up of people from different disciplines. • Psychiatrists – Who will assess your Mental Health and prescribe a course of treatment, such as drug treatment and/or behavioural therapies and psychotherapy. Occasionally hospitalisation

6. Community Psychiatric Nurses – A specialist nurse who will help you to manage your mental health symptoms, medication and recovery Social workers/Approved Social Workers – specialist social workers who will support people with the affects that mental illness has on their social well being such as housing, benefits, family relationships, social life Psychologists – will look at therapies and behavioural techniques which can aid your recovery

7. Specialist Teams • Children and adolescent Mental Health teams – CAMHS. – provide a similar role as CMHT’s but to those under the age of 18 and will work more closely with families and schools and colleges. • Assertive Community Treatment Team – ACT A specialist team that works with people with more complex needs such as people who have committed offences, those who also have alcohol or drug related problems • Older Adult Teams – Specialist workers who provide care for people over 65 and can include conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

8. Hospital Care – third tier • When people experience very severe symptoms that cannot be managed in the community they will require specialist hospital care. • They will most often be referred to hospital by their GP or their CMHT or specialist team • Sometimes people will be admitted to hospital under the 1983 Mental Health Act. This is commonly known as ‘sectioning’ or ‘being sectioned’.

9. Care Programme Approach • A system used to plan and review care for an individual with mental health needs. • It enables people to access treatment • It ensures that everyone working with the individual is working together • It supports people to access relevant services • People with severe/enduring mental Health needs will be eligible for a CPA • There are two levels, Enhanced and Standard

10. Mental Health Act 1983 •  It is thought that this is the only piece of legislation that can deprive people of their civil rights even if they have not committed an offence (apart from terrorist threats). • Sectioning – when a person has been detained or is being assessed for detention under the M. H. Act 1983 people often call this ‘sectioning’. This refers to the process whereby people are formally detained under specific sections of the Mental Health Act 1983. • Application for admission: by an ASW or the patient’s nearest relative.The applicant must have seen the patient within the previous 14 days. • Procedure: two doctors must confirm that(a) the patient is suffering from a mental disorder of a nature or degree that warrants detention in hospital for assessment (or assessment followed by medical treatment) for at least a limited period; and(b) she or he ought to be detained in the interests of her or his own health or safety, or with a view to the protection of others. •  Approved Social Worker (ASW) – is a social worker who has undergone specialist training (6 Months with placements) in order to carry out duties under the Mental health Act.

11. Section 2 – is a 28 day order for assessment • Section 3 – is a treatment order and can last for 6 months. • Section 4 – is an emergency order with detention for 72 hours. • Section 5(2) – is a doctors holding power if someone wishes to discharge themselves from psychiatric care and can last for 72 hours. • Section 5(4) – is a nurses holding power and can last for 6 hours. • Section 135 – authorises police and an ASW to enter property if it is believed a person suffering from a mental disorder is a risk to themselves or others • Section 136 – authorises the police to remove someone who appears to be suffering from a mental disorder in a public place to a place of safety.

12. Students you are concerned about • Make sure your college has procedures in place before these situations arise. Colleges are being asked to take responsibility for issues outside their remit • College may decide to include statement on their enrolment form. • Discuss how your college supports you • Make links with local agencies.