Who can help?
This is likely to be a situation you have never experienced before, and it can be a very intense time. But you can play a big part in helping your parent to get better. To feel as if you are coping often means doing something, and this may involve getting in touch with social and health care professionals.
This can be a scary thing to do - to pick up a phone and talk to a stranger about your mum and dad. You may feel you are being disloyal by asking for help. But there could be times when you feel frightened or confused by the situation at home, and perhaps need some help or advice.
Who to contact ...
In the first instance you could contact one of the helplines listed here. You don't have to give your name if you don't want to. You could ask for advice, information, local groups etc. You are likely to come across the following people during your parent's illness:-
Family Doctor (also known as a GP - General Practitioner)
The doctor is often the first port of call when people are ill. The doctor will try to establish what the problem is and how it should be treated. This may mean writing a prescription for medicine which a chemist will supply. If the doctor is unsure what the problem is, then an appointment may be made with a psychiatrist.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a trained doctor who has decided to specialise in the treatment of mental health problems. They are often based at hospitals, and often help to decide what the diagnosis is, what treatment may be required and who needs to go into hospital.
Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN)
The CPN is a qualified nurse who also has some specialist training in mental health. The CPN is often based in a hospital or mental health centre or works directly with family doctors. The CPN calls on people at home to provide support and advice when one of the family has a mental health problem. They keep an eye on the patient's medication and may give injections. They also check on the general situation of the patient and the family.
Social Worker
The Social Worker provides practical help and support to families who are experiencing problems in their lives. These could be due to many reasons including health problems, a breakdown in family relationships, or money problems. The social worker can explain what services are available (e.g. Home Care to help with cooking, shopping and personal care), may be able to offer counselling, and to check welfare benefits. A social worker can be a great source of information.
Approved Social Worker (ASW)
The ASW has had some specialist mental health training and becomes involved if someone is mentally ill and putting themselves or others at risk. The ASW helps to admit such a person to hospital.
Occupational Therapist (OT)
The OT helps people recovering from illness to regain lost interests and skills. This can help people to regain their confidence, help them to get back to work and perhaps encourage new interests.
Introduction
What is mental health?
Living with mental health problems
What about me?
Treatment
Who can help
Legal matters
And finally....
Useful addresses and telephone numbers
