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Unit 2: Understanding stressIn this unit you will gain an understanding of stress andits causes, as well as the effects stress can have on individuals and their daily life. You will also gain an understanding of ways in which stress can be managed.

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Unit 2: Understanding stressIn this unit you will gain an understanding of stress andits causes, as well as the effects stress can have on individuals and their daily life. You will also gain an understanding of ways in which stress can be managed.

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Unit 1: Understanding mental health                                          In this unit you will learn about what is meant by ‘mental health’ and its impact. You will also look at the legal frameworks which ensure high quality care is provided.

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Unit 1: Understanding mental health                                          In this unit you will learn about what is meant by ‘mental health’ and its impact. You will also look at the legal frameworks which ensure high quality care is provided.

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Unit 3: Understanding anxiety Within this unit you will gain an understanding of anxiety, the causes of anxiety and how it affects the individual and others.

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Unit 3: Understanding anxiety Within this unit you will gain an understanding of anxiety, the causes of anxiety and how it affects the individual and others.

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Unit 4: Understanding phobias In this unit you will look at the causes of phobias and learn about how those with phobias can manage them.  

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Unit 4: Understanding phobias In this unit you will look at the causes of phobias and learn about how those with phobias can manage them.  

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Unit 5: Understanding depression                             This unit covers the causes and effects of depression on individuals and those around them. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of how depression can be managed. 

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Unit 5: Understanding depression                             This unit covers the causes and effects of depression on individuals and those around them. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of how depression can be managed. 

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Unit 6: Understanding post-natal depression                       In this unit you will learn what is meant by the term ‘postnatal depression’. You will look into how postnatal depression not only affects women, but the effect it can have on others around them.

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Unit 6: Understanding post-natal depression                       In this unit you will learn what is meant by the term ‘postnatal depression’. You will look into how postnatal depression not only affects women, but the effect it can have on others around them.

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Unit 7: Understanding bipolar disorder                                  This unit will give learners an understanding of bipolar disorder, its causes and the effects it can have on individuals and their daily lives. You will also gain an understanding of ways in which bipolar disorder can be managed. 

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Unit 7: Understanding bipolar disorder                                  This unit will give learners an understanding of bipolar disorder, its causes and the effects it can have on individuals and their daily lives. You will also gain an understanding of ways in which bipolar disorder can be managed. 

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Unit 8: Understanding schizophrenia                    Within this unit you will look at the causes of schizophrenia and the media’s representation of this condition. 

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Unit 8: Understanding schizophrenia                    Within this unit you will look at the causes of schizophrenia and the media’s representation of this condition. 

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Unit 9: Understanding dementia                            Within this unit you will not only learn about what dementia is and how it affects an individual, but will gain an understanding of the ways in which dementia can be managed. 

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Unit 9: Understanding dementia                            Within this unit you will not only learn about what dementia is and how it affects an individual, but will gain an understanding of the ways in which dementia can be managed. 

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Unit 10: Understanding eating disorders                                Unit 10 will give you in-depth knowledge of eating disorder, the causes of eating disorders and how they can affect the individual and others. 

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Unit 10: Understanding eating disorders                                Unit 10 will give you in-depth knowledge of eating disorder, the causes of eating disorders and how they can affect the individual and others. 

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Unit 11: Understanding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Within this unit you will look at ADHD, the causes of this condition and the effect it can have on an individual and others.

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Unit 12: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

In this unit you will gain an understanding of OCD, its causes and how it might affect the individual and others. You will also learn about ways in which OCD can be managed.

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Unit 13: Understanding Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The final unit will give you knowledge of PTSD, its causes and how it can affect the individual. You will also gain an understanding of the ways in which PTSD can be managed.

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We’re Mind, the mental health charity. We’re here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

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Possible causes of stress Stress affects people differently, and the things that cause stress vary from person to person. The level of stress you are comfortable with may be higher or lower than that of other people around you. Stressful feelings typically happen when we feel we do not have the resources to manage the challenges we face.

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What is the 'fight, flight or freeze' response?

Like all animals, human beings have evolved ways to help us protect ourselves from danger. When we feel under threat our bodies react by releasing certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can be helpful. These hormones:

make us feel more alert, so we can act faster

make our hearts beat faster, quickly sending blood to where it's needed most.

After we feel the threat has passed, our bodies release other hormones to help our muscles relax. This can sometimes cause us to shake.

This is commonly called the 'fight, flight or freeze' response - it's something that happens automatically in our bodies, and we have no control over it.

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Like all animals, human beings have evolved ways to help us protect ourselves from danger. When we feel under threat our bodies react by releasing certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can be helpful. These hormones: make us feel more alert, so we can act faster make our hearts beat faster, quickly sending blood to where it's needed most.

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Find out about the different ways to get help with your mental health, the process, and your rights.

Mental health services are free on the NHS. Your mental health is important and you should get help if you need it.
Find NHS mental health services

Talk to your GP first

You'll need to talk to your GP to use some mental health services. This is known as a GP referral. Your GP can also talk to you about your mental health and help introduce you to the right mental health service for your needs.
Find your local GP surgery
Get help without talking to your GP

There are also some mental health services that you can use without talking to your GP first. This is known as self-referral.

For example, you may be able to refer yourself for help with drug problems and alcohol problems. You can also use self-referral to access talking therapies.
NHS talking therapies services
Get help through your work

If your mental health problem is because of stress at work, your employer might be able to refer you to occupational health services.

You can find out more from the Time to Change website.
Advice on mental health at work from Time to Change
Get help from your school or college

If you're a child or young person, your school or college might be able to refer you directly to a specialist mental health service.

Find out how to get mental health support if you are a child or young person.

How mental health referrals work

When you talk to your GP about your mental health they'll listen, give you advice and introduce you to a mental health service they think will be most helpful to you.

These services may come from your GP surgery, a large local health centre, a specialist mental health clinic or a hospital.

Your GP can also refer you to a psychological therapy service or a specialist mental health service for further advice or treatment. The treatment may be provided on a one-to-one basis or in a group with others with similar problems. Therapy can also sometimes involve partners and families.

Your right to choose who helps you

In most cases, you have a right to choose which mental health service provider you go to in England.

You have the legal right to choose which service provider and clinical team you're referred to for your first appointment.

What is a mental health service provider?

The NHS works with various organisations to run mental health services across England. They might be charities, private companies or not-for-profit organisations. These are called service providers.

You do not have a legal right to choose if:

you need urgent or emergency treatment

you already receive care and treatment for the condition

the organisation or clinical team you've chosen does not provide the right care for your condition

you're a prisoner or on temporary release from prison

you're detained in prescribed accommodation, such as a court, secure children's home, secure training centre, immigration removal centre or young offender institution

you're detained in a secure hospital setting

you're a serving member of the armed forces

you're detained under the Mental Health Act 1983

Find out more about your legal rights

The NHS Choice Framework on GOV.UK explains all the details of your legal right to choose.

Once you've chosen a service provider you also have the right to choose the mental health service team that will be in charge of your treatment.

You'll be seen by the consultant or named professional who leads the mental health team, or by another healthcare professional on the team.

How to book your appointment

Once you've decided on a mental health service provider, you might be able to book your appointment through the NHS e-Referral Service.

There are a few ways to do this:

your GP can book it while you're at the surgery

you can book it online yourself, using the appointment request letter your GP gives you

you can phone the NHS e-Referral Service line on 0345 60 88 88 8, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and from 8am to 4pm on weekends and bank holidays

How long you will have to wait for an appointment

If the service you're being referred to is led by a consultant it will be covered by the NHS's commitment to make sure you're seen within 18 weeks.

Waiting times for other services will be different depending on where you are in England.
Find out more about waiting times for NHS services

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Find out about the different ways to get help with your mental health, the process, and your rights.

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A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal.
Phobias are more pronounced than fears. They develop when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object.

If a phobia becomes very severe, a person may organise their life around avoiding the thing that's causing them anxiety. As well as restricting their day-to-day life, it can also cause a lot of distress.

Phobia symptoms

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. You may not experience any symptoms until you come into contact with the source of your phobia.

But in some cases, even thinking about the source of a phobia can make a person feel anxious or panicky. This is known as anticipatory anxiety.

Symptoms may include:

unsteadiness, dizziness and lightheadedness

nausea

sweating

increased heart rate or palpitations

shortness of breath

trembling or shaking

an upset stomach

If you do not come into contact with the source of your phobia very often, it may not affect your everyday life.

But if you have a complex phobia, such as agoraphobia, leading a normal life may be very difficult.

Types of phobia

There are a wide variety of objects or situations that someone could develop a phobia about.

But phobias can be divided into 2 main categories:

specific or simple phobias

complex phobias

Specific or simple phobias

Specific or simple phobias centre around a particular object, animal, situation or activity.

They often develop during childhood or adolescence and may become less severe as you get older.

Common examples of simple phobias include:

animal phobias - such as dogs, spiders, snakes or rodents

environmental phobias - such as heights, deep water and germs

situational phobias - such as visiting the dentist or flying

bodily phobias - such as blood, vomit or having injections

sexual phobias - such as performance anxiety or the fear of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Complex phobias

Complex phobias tend to be more disabling than simple phobias. They usually develop during adulthood and are often associated with a deep-rooted fear or anxiety about a particular situation or circumstance.

The 2 most common complex phobias are:

Agoraphobia is often thought of as a fear of open spaces, but it's much more complex than this.

Someone with agoraphobia will feel anxious about being in a place or situation where escaping may be difficult if they have a panic attack.

The anxiety usually results in the person avoiding situations such as:

being alone

being in crowded places, such as busy restaurants or supermarkets

travelling on public transport

Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, centres around feeling anxious in social situations.

If you have a social phobia, you might be afraid of speaking in front of people for fear of embarrassing yourself and being humiliated in public.

In severe cases, this can become debilitating and may prevent you carrying out everyday activities, such as eating out or meeting friends.

What causes phobias?

Phobias do not seem to have a single cause, but there are a number of associated factors.

For example:

a phobia may be associated with a particular incident or trauma

a phobia may be a learned response that a person develops early in life from a parent or sibling (brother or sister)

genetics may play a role - there's evidence to suggest that some people are born with a tendency to be more anxious than others

Diagnosing phobias

Phobias are not always formally diagnosed. Most people with a phobia are fully aware of the problem.

A person will sometimes choose to live with a phobia, taking great care to avoid the object or situation they're afraid of.

But if you have a phobia, continually trying to avoid what you're afraid of could make the situation worse.

Ask a GP for help if you have a phobia. They may refer you to a specialist with expertise in behavioural therapy, such as a psychologist.

You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP.

Treating phobias

Most phobias can be treated successfully.

Simple phobias can be treated through gradual exposure to the object, animal, place or situation that causes fear and anxiety. This is known as desensitisation or self-exposure therapy.

You could try these methods with the help of a professional or as part of a self-help programme.

Treating complex phobias often takes longer and involves talking therapies, such as:

Medication may be prescribed to help with anxiety caused by certain phobias.

Medicines that may be used include:

How common are phobias?

Phobias are a common type of anxiety disorder.

They can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex and social background.

Some of the most common phobias include:

arachnophobia - fear of spiders

claustrophobia - fear of confined spaces

agoraphobia - fear of open spaces and public places

social phobia - fear of social situations

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Find out more about phobias, which are an overwhelming fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal.

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Mental Health and the NHS . What's changed and what's to come? (history of services)

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Into the community

Successive governments have encouraged community-centred care for people with mental health conditions. As far back as 1954, prior to The Mental Health Act, Winston Churchill's government set up the Percy Commission to review the detention of people with a mental illness. The Commission argued that people should be treated within the community wherever possible, rather than within institutions, and that the barriers between mental health and the wider NHS should be removed.

After the 1959 Mental Health Act, community care was again encouraged, but change was slow to happen. Since then, the question of who should provide community-centred care, and who should cover the costs, remains unanswered.

In the late 1990s, the idea of community care provoked some anxiety among the public after a small number of incidents involving psychiatric patients were picked up by a largely unsympathetic press.

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Depression and anxiety self-assessment quiz

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Depression and anxiety self-assessment quiz

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Read about feelings and symptoms that can be common with mental health problems.

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Depression is a low mood that can last a long time or keep returning, affecting your everyday life.

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Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.
It's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners.

It's important to get help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed, as your symptoms could last for months or get worse and have a significant impact on you, your baby and your family.

With the right support most people make a full recovery.

Depression during pregnancy

Depression in pregnancy (antenatal depression) is also common, affecting more than 1 in 10 women.

Other mental health symptoms that can occur during or after your pregnancy include anxiety, panic attacks and psychosis.
Read more about mental health in pregnancy

Symptoms of postnatal depression

Many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth.

This is often called the " baby blues" and is so common that it's considered normal.

The "baby blues" do not last for more than 2 weeks after giving birth.

If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression.

Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth.

Signs that you or someone you know might be depressed include:

a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood

lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world

lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day

finding it difficult to look after yourself and your baby

withdrawing from contact with other people

problems concentrating and making decisions

frightening thoughts - for example, about hurting your baby

Many women do not realise they have postnatal depression because it can develop gradually.

Speak to a GP, midwife or health visitor as soon as possible if:

you think you may be depressed

Many midwives and health visitors have been trained to recognise postnatal depression and have techniques that can help.

Remember that:

a range of help and support is available, including talking therapy

depression is an illness like any other

it's not your fault you're depressed - it can happen to anyone

being depressed does not mean you're a bad parent

it does not mean you're going mad

your baby will not be taken away from you - babies are only taken into care in very exceptional circumstances

Treatments for postnatal depression

Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening, but support and effective treatments are available.

These include:

self-help - things you can try yourself include talking to your family and friends about your feelings and what they can do to help, making time for yourself to do things you enjoy, resting whenever you get the chance, getting as much sleep as you can at night, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet

talking therapy - a GP may be able to recommend a self-help course or may refer you for a course of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

antidepressants - these may be recommended if your depression is more severe or other treatments have not helped; your doctor can prescribe a medicine that's safe to take while breastfeeding

Local and national organisations, such as the Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI) and Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support (PANDAS), can also be useful sources of help and advice.

Causes of postnatal depression

The cause of postnatal depression is not completely clear.

There are a number of things that may make you more likely to have postnatal depression. These include:

a history of mental health problems, particularly depression, earlier in life

a history of mental health problems during pregnancy

having no close family or friends to support you

a difficult relationship with your partner

recent stressful life events, such as a bereavement

physical or psychological trauma, such as domestic violence

Even if you do not have any of these, having a baby is a life-changing event that can sometimes trigger depression.

It often takes time to adapt to becoming a new parent. Looking after a baby can be stressful and exhausting.

Preventing postnatal depression

There are things you can do during pregnancy to help you keep well, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having someone you can talk to and turn to for support.

Going to antenatal classes and making friends with other pregnant women or new parents can also be helpful.

If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, talk to a GP or your mental health team if:

you have a history of depression or mental health problems

someone in your family has had mental health problems after childbirth (for example, your mother or sister)

This is so they can offer you appropriate treatment.

You can also talk to a midwife, who can support you or refer you to specialist mental health services if needed. If you have had a mental health problem while pregnant, your doctor should arrange for you to be seen regularly in the first few weeks after birth.

The mental health team, maternity team and GP will work closely with you during your pregnancy and after you have given birth.

Myths about postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is often misunderstood and there are many myths surrounding it.

These include:

postnatal depression is less severe than other types of depression - in fact, it's as serious as other types of depression

postnatal depression is entirely caused by hormonal changes - it's actually caused by many different factors

postnatal depression will soon pass - unlike the "baby blues", postnatal depression can persist for months if left untreated and in a minority of cases it can become a long-term problem

postnatal depression only affects women - research has actually found that up to 1 in 10 new fathers become depressed after having a baby

These factors are equally true of antenatal depression.

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Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It's a common problem. Depression in pregnancy (antenatal depression) is also common.

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Bipolar disorder

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Everyone has changes in their mood, but with bipolar disorder these changes can be extreme, overwhelming and have a big impact on your life.
*Last updated 18 March 2021
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

If you have bipolar disorder, you're likely to have episodes of depression (feeling very low) and mania (feeling very high). You may feel well between these episodes.

Bipolar symptoms can make daily life hard and affect your relationships and work.

During a depressive episode, you may:

feel sad, hopeless or irritable

lack energy and appetite

lose interest in everyday activities

have difficulty concentrating or remembering things

feel empty, worthless, guilty or despairing

have difficulty sleeping.

During a manic episode, you may:

feel full of energy

feel self-important or have lots of ideas and plans

be easily distracted, irritated or agitated

have no desire to sleep or eat

make decisions or say things that are out of character, risky or harmful.

Some people experience psychosis during a severe episode of depression or mania. This means you may see or hear things that aren't there or believe things that aren't true.

Episodes can last for several weeks or months with periods of less extreme mood in between. Depending on how you experience these moods and how severe they are, your doctor may diagnose you with a particular type of bipolar disorder. Mind has more information on these different types.

What causes bipolar disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but researchers believe a combination of factors make someone more likely to develop it. These include:

genetics - if you're related to someone with bipolar disorder, you're more likely to develop it yourself

chemical imbalance in the brain - too much or too little of certain chemicals could make you develop depression or mania

childhood trauma - abuse, neglect or bereavement in childhood can cause you to develop bipolar disorder. This could be because of the impact on your ability to regulate your emotions

stressful life events - a relationship breakdown or financial difficulties can be the trigger for bipolar symptoms.

You usually develop bipolar disorder before you're 20. It's rare to develop it after the age of 40.

Getting support

Treatment for bipolar disorder aims to reduce the severity and number of episodes of depression or mania you experience. The right treatment for you will depend on your type of bipolar, current symptoms, and your preferences and circumstances.

If you think you have bipolar disorder, start by speaking to your GP. It can help to keep a record of your moods to help you both understand your mood swings. You can download a mood scale and mood diary from the Bipolar UK website. Your GP may then refer you to a psychiatrist, who can give you a diagnosis.

There are different types of help you can get with bipolar disorder.

Talking therapy

There are different talking therapies that have been shown to work well for people with bipolar disorder.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you recognise how your feelings, thoughts, and behaviour influence each other and build strategies to change these patterns.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on your relationships with others and how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour are affected by your relationships and vice versa.

What you're offered may depend on what's available in your area and what you and your GP feel would be best for you.

Medication

There are different medications available to treat bipolar disorder. It's likely your GP or psychiatrist offer you one of more of the following:

medication to prevent episodes of depression and mania. These are known as mood stabilisers

medication to treat the symptoms of depression and mania as they happen.

The NHS website has more information about medication for bipolar disorder.

Longer term plans

You may work with healthcare professionals to learn to monitor your mood and recognise what triggers your depression and mania. They may help you to develop a crisis or risk management plan so you know how to manage any early warning signs. This may involve friends and family, so they know how to recognise any early signs of distress and support you.

You can also help yourself by taking care of your physical health as well as your mental health and making sure that you get regular exercise, good quality sleep, and eat a healthy diet.

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Everyone has changes in their mood, but with bipolar disorder these changes can be extreme, overwhelming and have a big impact on your life. *Last updated 18 March 2021 If you have bipolar disorder, you're likely to have episodes of depression (feeling very low) and mania (feeling very high).

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Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a condition that affects your moods, which can swing from one extreme to another.

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Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition. It causes a range of different psychological symptoms.
Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a type of psychosis. This means the person may not always be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality.

Symptoms of schizophrenia can include:

hallucinations - hearing or seeing things that do not exist outside of the mind

delusions - unusual beliefs not based on reality

muddled thoughts and speech based on hallucinations or delusions

losing interest in everyday activities

not wanting to look after yourself and your needs, such as not caring about your personal hygiene

wanting to avoid people, including friends

feeling disconnected from your feelings or emotions

People with schizophrenia do not have a split personality. Schizophrenia does not usually cause someone to be violent.

When to get medical advice

If you're experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, see a GP as soon as possible. The earlier schizophrenia is treated, the better.

There's no single test for schizophrenia. It's usually diagnosed after an assessment by a mental health care professional, such as a psychiatrist.

Causes of schizophrenia

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. But most experts believe the condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

It's thought that some people are more vulnerable to developing schizophrenia, and certain situations can trigger the condition such as a stressful life event or drug misuse.

Treating schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is usually treated with a combination of medicine and therapy tailored to each individual.

In most cases, this will be antipsychotic medicines and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

People with schizophrenia usually receive help from a community mental health team, which can offer day-to-day support and treatment, depending on the needs of each individual.

Many people recover from schizophrenia, although they may have periods when symptoms return (relapses).

Support and treatment can help reduce the impact the condition has on daily life.

Living with schizophrenia

If schizophrenia is well managed, it's possible to reduce the chance of severe relapses.

This can include:

recognising the signs of an acute episode

taking medicine as prescribed

talking to others about the condition

There are many charities and support groups offering help and advice on living with schizophrenia.

Most people find it comforting talking to others with a similar condition.

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Find out about schizophrenia - a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms.

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Rethink bipolar and Rethink schizophrenia

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Rethink bipolar and Rethink schizophrenia

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We improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through our network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning. Our goal is to make sure everyone severely affected by mental illness has a good quality of life.

Find advice and information

Find your nearest service or group

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How we are making a difference

We care and support

For nearly 50 years, we have supported thousands of people every year to get through crises, live independently and ensure they don't face mental illness alone. Our network of 140 peer support groups offer a listening ear, practical help and social support. Our 200 plus services include everything from supported housing, one-to-one help for carers, to group activities for people leaving hospital.

Read more about what we offer Read more about what we offer

We listen and advise

Our website provides advice to millions of people through over 200 award-winning factsheets. Our trusted advisors are also on hand to provide advice on the phone on living with mental illness, medication, care and treatment. They can be called as often as needed and will take time to explain and set out options about what to do next. If you are looking for support, you can trust us to get it right.

Read more about our advice service Read more about our advice service

We campaign and influence

Driven by people with personal experience of mental illness, we campaign nationally and locally to push mental health up the public agenda and change government policy for the better. Join our movement of passionate campaigners and help us make sure that everyone has access to high quality health care, no matter where they live or what their personal circumstances are.

Read about our campaigns Read about our campaigns

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No matter how bad things are, we can help.

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We improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through our network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning. Our goal is to make sure everyone severely affected by mental illness has a good quality of life.

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Alzheimer's Society - United Against Dementia

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From day one of dementia, we'll be right here with you. For support and advice. For campaigning, and one day, for a cure.

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Specialist support to families facing dementia - Dementia UK

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Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you. %

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In most cases when people are treated in hospital or another mental health facility, they have agreed or volunteered to be there. But there are cases when a person can be detained, also known as sectioned, under the Mental Health Act (1983) and treated without their agreement.

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Struggling with an eating disorder? Caring for someone who is? Beat is here to support you.

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An eating disorder is a mental health condition where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations.
Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much or too little or worrying about your weight or body shape.

Anyone can get an eating disorder, but teenagers between 13 and 17 are mostly affected.

With treatment, most people can recover from an eating disorder.

Types of eating disorders

The most common eating disorders are:

anorexia nervosa - trying to control your weight by not eating enough food, exercising too much, or doing both

bulimia - losing control over how much you eat and then taking drastic action to not put on weight

binge eating disorder (BED) - eating large portions of food until you feel uncomfortably full

Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)

A person may have an OSFED if their symptoms do not exactly fit the expected symptoms for any specific eating disorders.

OSFED is the most common eating disorder.
Find out more about OSFED on the Beat website
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is when someone avoids certain foods, limits how much they eat or does both.

Beliefs about weight or body shape are not reasons why people develop ARFID.

Possible reasons for ARFID include:

negative feelings over the smell, taste or texture of certain foods

a response to a past experience with food that was upsetting, for example, choking or being sick after eating something

not feeling hungry or just a lack of interest in eating

Find out more about ARFID on the Beat website

Check if you have an eating disorder

If you or people around you are worried that you have an unhealthy relationship with food, you could have an eating disorder.

Symptoms of eating disorders include:

spending a lot of time worrying about your weight and body shape

avoiding socialising when you think food will be involved

eating very little food

making yourself sick or taking laxatives after you eat

exercising too much

having very strict habits or routines around food

changes in your mood such as being withdrawn, anxious or depressed

You may also notice physical signs, including:

feeling cold, tired or dizzy

pains, tingling or numbness in your arms and legs (poor circulation)

feeling your heart racing, fainting or feeling faint

problems with your digestion, such as bloating, constipation or diarrhoea

your weight being very high or very low for someone of your age and height

not getting your period or other delayed signs of puberty

You can read more about the symptoms of:

Warning signs of an eating disorder in someone else

It can be very difficult to identify that a loved one or friend has developed an eating disorder.

Warning signs to look out for include:

dramatic weight loss

lying about how much they've eaten, when they've eaten, or their weight

eating a lot of food very fast

going to the bathroom a lot after eating

exercising a lot

avoiding eating with others

cutting food into small pieces or eating very slowly

wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide their weight loss

Getting help for an eating disorder

If you think you may have an eating disorder, see a GP as soon as you can.

A GP will ask about your eating habits and how you're feeling, plus check your overall health and weight.

They may refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists.

It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment.

You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711.

Getting help for someone else

It can be difficult to know what to do if you're worried that someone has an eating disorder.

They may not realise they have an eating disorder. They may also deny it, or be secretive and defensive about their eating or weight.

Let them know you're worried about them and encourage them to see a GP. You could offer to go along with them.

Read more about talking to your child about eating disorders and supporting someone with an eating disorder.

The eating disorder charity Beat also has information on:

Treatment for eating disorders

You can recover from an eating disorder, but it may take time and recovery will be different for everyone.

If you're referred to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists, they'll be responsible for your care.

They should talk to you about the support you might need, such as for other conditions you have, and include this in your treatment plan.

Your treatment will depend on the type of eating disorder you have, but usually includes a talking therapy.

You may also need regular health checks if your eating disorder is having an impact on your physical health.

Your treatment may also involve working through a guided self-help programme if you have bulimia or binge eating disorder.

Most people will be offered individual therapy, but those with binge eating disorder may be offered group therapy.

Read more about the different treatments for:

Treatment for other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) will depend on the type of eating disorder your symptoms are most like.

For example, if your symptoms are most like anorexia, your treatment will be similar to the treatment for anorexia.

What causes eating disorders?

We do not know exactly what causes eating disorders.

You may be more likely to get an eating disorder if:

you or a member of your family has a history of eating disorders, depression, or alcohol or drug misuse

you've been criticised for your eating habits, body shape or weight

you're really worried about being slim, particularly if you also feel pressure from society or your job, for example, ballet dancers, models or athletes

you have anxiety, low self-esteem, an obsessive personality or are a perfectionist

you've been sexually abused

Find out more

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Read about the different types of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, including what possible causes and treatments available.

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The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity - an integrated health and education service.

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Hey everyone

Just wanted to share this new NHS video designed to raise awareness of ADHD across the UK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xXTI_Qj5SI&feature=emb_title

The video was created by patients with ADHD in collaboration with the NHS Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Adult ADHD Service and Inclusion Barnet. The project was led entirely by patients with ADHD and they also made another more humerous video where they share some of their personal experiences and show how chaotic things can be with ADHD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABL5b7ZgxpI&feature=emb_title&ab_channel=InclusionBarnet

The ADHD service is a really small team, so would love your help with sharing this around ready for ADHD Awareness Month tomorrow. It would be amazing if this could get noticed and publicised a bit more because the service just doesn't get given the money that's available for raising awareness of other conditions. Loads of effort went into the videos and it'd be awesome if they can make life easier for people with ADHD in the future.

I really hope you find the videos useful for sharing with anyone looking for legit info on ADHD. There's a bit more of a blurb at https://attentionuk.org/videos/ if you're interested, too.

<3

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Hey everyone Just wanted to share this new NHS video designed to raise awareness of ADHD across the UK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xXTI_Qj5SI&feature=emb_title The video was created by patients with ADHD in collaboration with the NHS Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Adult ADHD Service and Inclusion Barnet.

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Information plays an important role in helping people understand and come to terms with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

We're here to educate, offer hope and support people through the difficult times, right through to recovery and everything in between, we are OCD-UK.

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OCD-UK | A national OCD charity, run by, and for people with lived experience of OCD

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Information plays an important role in helping people understand and come to terms with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We're here to educate, offer hope and support people through the difficult times, right through to recovery and everything in between, we are OCD-UK.

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Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
OCD can affect men, women and children. People can start having symptoms from as early as 6 years old, but it often begins around puberty and early adulthood.

OCD can be distressing and significantly interfere with your life, but treatment can help you keep it under control.

Symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

If you have OCD, you'll usually experience frequent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters your mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease.

A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or mental act that you feel you need to do to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.

For example, someone with an obsessive fear of being burgled may feel they need to check all the windows and doors are locked several times before they can leave their house.

Women can sometimes have OCD during pregnancy or after their baby is born. Obsessions may include worrying about harming the baby or not sterilising feeding bottles properly. Compulsions could be things such as repeatedly checking the baby is breathing, and intrusive, unwanted and unpleasant thoughts, images or urges. These can cause anxiety and lead to repetitive behaviours.

If you keep getting these thoughts and they have an effect on your daily life, speak to your GP or health visitor. They can support you or refer you to a specialist mental health team if you need it.

Getting help for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

People with OCD are sometimes reluctant to seek help because they feel ashamed or embarrassed.

OCD is a health condition like any other, so there's nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Having OCD does not mean you're "mad" and it's not your fault you have it.

There are 2 main ways to get help:

If you think a friend or family member may have OCD, try talking to them about your concerns and suggest they get help.

If you're under 18, or want to get help for someone under 18, find out how to get mental health support for children and young people.

It's unlikely OCD will get better without proper treatment and support.

Treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

There are some effective treatments for OCD that can help reduce the impact it has on your life.

The main treatments are:

CBT will usually have an effect quite quickly. It can take up to 12 weeks before you notice the effects of treatment with SSRIs, but most people will eventually benefit.

If these treatments do not help, you may be offered:

an alternative SSRI

a combination of an SSRI and CBT

an antidepressant called clomipramine

Some people may be referred to a specialist mental health service for further treatment.

Causes of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

It's not clear what causes OCD. A number of different factors may play a part, including:

family history - you're more likely to develop OCD if a family member has it. It may be learned behaviour, or possibly because of your genes

differences in the brain - some people with OCD have areas of unusually high activity in their brain or low levels of a chemical called serotonin

life events - OCD may be more common in people who have been bullied, abused or neglected, and it sometimes starts after an important life event, such as childbirth or a bereavement

personality - neat, meticulous, methodical people with high personal standards may be more likely to develop OCD, also people who are generally quite anxious or have a very strong sense of responsibility for themselves and others

Support groups

Living with OCD can be difficult. In addition to getting medical help, you might find it helps to contact a support group or other people with OCD for information and advice.

The following websites may be useful sources of support:

OCD Action, OCD-UK and TOP UK can also let you know about any local support groups in your area.

Social care and support guide

The social care and support guide has advice about where you can get support if you:

need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability

care for someone regularly because they're ill, elderly or disabled, including family members

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Overview - Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

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Find out about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), what causes it, where to get help, and what the main treatments are.

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Mental health services for veterans | Combat Stress

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We provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health problems.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt.

They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult.

These symptoms are often severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on the person's day-to-day life.

Causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Any situation that a person finds traumatic can cause PTSD.

These can include:

serious road accidents

violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery

serious health problems

childbirth experiences

PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event, or it can occur weeks, months or even years later.

PTSD is estimated to affect about 1 in every 3 people who have a traumatic experience, but it's not clear exactly why some people develop the condition and others do not.

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

People who repeatedly experience traumatic situations, such as severe neglect, abuse or violence, may be diagnosed with complex PTSD.

Complex PTSD can cause similar symptoms to PTSD and may not develop until years after the event.

It's often more severe if the trauma was experienced early in life, as this can affect a child's development.
Find out more about complex PTSD

When to get medical advice

It's normal to experience upsetting and confusing thoughts after a traumatic event, but most people improve naturally over a few weeks.

You should see a GP if you or your child are still having problems about 4 weeks after the traumatic experience, or if the symptoms are particularly troublesome.

If necessary, your GP can refer you to mental health specialists for further assessment and treatment.

How post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is treated

PTSD can be successfully treated, even when it develops many years after a traumatic event.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how soon they occur after the traumatic event.

Any of the following treatment options may be recommended:

watchful waiting - monitoring your symptoms to see whether they improve or get worse without treatment

antidepressants - such as paroxetine or sertraline

talking therapies - such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

You can refer yourself directly to a talking therapies service.

Social care and support guide

You can get support if:

you need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability

you care for someone regularly because they're ill or disabled or because of their age, including family members

Find out more about social care and support

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Overview - Post-traumatic stress disorder

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

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Suicide in young men

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Roman Kemp explores the mental health and suicide crisis affecting young men. When Roman lost his best friend, he had no idea he was struggling. Now, Roman is searching for answers.

Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency is a deeply personal and candid film following Roman as he explores the mental health and suicide crisis affecting young men in the UK.

In August 2020, Roman's life changed dramatically with the sudden and unexpected death of his best friend, radio producer Joe Lyons. This timely documentary sees Roman taking a closer look at the urgent issue of young men's mental health, exploring why increasing numbers are taking their own lives and the reasons why so many of them never ask for help.

Wanting to find some answers in a difficult time, Roman explores what can be done to encourage people to seek help, what preventative action we need to be taking, and the lasting impact mental health and suicide can have on friends and families. This is a film about Roman's generation, young men and boys as they become adults, and how he himself could help add to a dialogue that might help those who are struggling in silence.

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BBC Three - Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency

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Roman Kemp explores the mental health and suicide crisis affecting young men. When Roman lost his best friend, he had no idea he was struggling. Now, Roman is searching for answers. Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency is a deeply personal and candid film following Roman as he explores the mental health and suicide crisis affecting young men in the UK.

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Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) can affect you both physically and mentally.
How severe the symptoms are varies from person to person. Some people have only a few symptoms, while others have many more.

You should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or is causing you distress.

Psychological symptoms of GAD

GAD can cause a change in your behaviour and the way you think and feel about things, resulting in symptoms such as:

restlessness

a sense of dread or fear

feeling constantly "on edge"

difficulty concentrating

irritability

Your symptoms may cause you to withdraw from social contact (seeing your family and friends) to avoid feelings of worry and fear.

You may also find going to work difficult and stressful, and may take time off sick. These actions can make you worry even more about yourself and increase your lack of self-esteem.

Physical symptoms of GAD

GAD can also have a number of physical symptoms, including:

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Symptoms - Generalised anxiety disorder in adults

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Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) can affect you both physically and mentally. How severe the symptoms are varies from person to person. Some people have only a few symptoms, while others have many more. You should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or is causing you distress.

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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your to-do list seems endless, deadlines are fast approaching and you find yourself saying 'Eek! I feel stressed!'? But what is stress really, and how does it affect us?

Firstly, let's debunk one myth: stress is not necessarily a 'bad' thing. Without this brilliant ability to feel stress, humankind wouldn't have survived. Our cavemen ancestors, for example, used the onset of stress to alert them to a potential danger, such as a sabre-toothed tiger.

Stress is primarily a physical response. When stressed, the body thinks it is under attack and switches to 'fight or flight' mode, releasing a complex mix of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine to prepare the body for physical action. This causes a number of reactions, from blood being diverted to muscles to shutting down unnecessary bodily functions such as digestion.

Through the release of hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine, the caveman gained a rush of energy, which prepared him to either fight the tiger or run away. That heart pounding, fast breathing sensation is the adrenaline; as well as a boost of energy, it enables us to focus our attention so we can quickly respond to the situation.

In the modern world, the 'fight or flight' mode can still help us survive dangerous situations, such as reacting swiftly to a person running in front of our car by slamming on the brakes.

The challenge is when our body goes into a state of stress in inappropriate situations. When blood flow is going only to the most important muscles needed to fight or flee, brain function is minimised. This can lead to an inability to 'think straight'; a state that is a great hindrance in both our work and home lives. If we are kept in a state of stress for long periods, it can be detrimental to our health. The results of having elevated cortisol levels can be an increase in sugar and blood pressure levels, and a decrease in libido.

When your body goes into a state of stress, we may feel agitated and aggressive towards others; this can be due to our bodies' natural reaction being "fight". This can be a helpful reaction to ward off predators, but in unnecessary situations, it can negatively affect relationships and ruin reputations.

Some of us avoid our stressors, removing ourselves from the situation instead of tackling it. This can be a sign of the "flight" survival instinct; a function that can save our lives if we find ourselves in dangerous surroundings. However, in everyday life, this natural instinct can lead to a stressful situation escalating, and increase our stress levels when we realise that the stressor isn't going away and we need to face it.

Unknown by many, there is a third mode that stress can cause; freeze. For some people, becoming stressed sets the stage for 'dysregulation'. The energy mobilized by the perceived threat gets "locked" into the nervous system and we 'freeze'. This response sometimes reveals itself when we breathe. Holding our breath and shallow breathing are both forms of freeze. The occasional deep sigh is the nervous system catching up on its oxygen intake.

Stress Explained

Resources and Guides

Personal Stress

10 Step Stress Solution

Stress at work

Book a Free Business Stress Consultation

Book a Free Business Stress Consultation

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Firstly, let's debunk one myth: stress is not necessarily a 'bad' thing. Without this brilliant ability to feel stress, humankind wouldn't have survived. Our cavemen ancestors, for example, used the onset of stress to alert them to a potential danger, such as a sabre-toothed tiger. Stress is primarily a physical response.

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Age Uk dementia

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Dementia symptoms and types of dementia | Age UK

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We can help you better understand dementia – including the common symptoms of dementia, the different types of dementia, and what you can do if you think you have dementia.

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Many of us experience phobias. Our introduction to phobias tells you what they are, when a fear becomes a phobia and when you might seek treatment.

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Overview - Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

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Read about cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.

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Counselling can take different forms depending on your needs and what type of therapy may be suitable.

Most therapy takes place in planned, regular sessions which last for around 50 minutes. How often you see your therapist and how many appointments you have will depend on your individual circumstances, and will be agreed between you and your therapist.

You might see a counsellor on your own, as a couple or family, or in a group with people who have similar issues. You might meet them face to face in their home, offices or clinic, or talk to them online or over the telephone.

During a session, your therapist may take you through specific exercises designed to help with your problem, or you might have more general discussions about how you're feeling. What you talk about will vary depend on what you want help with and the therapist's approach. It could include:

your relationships

your childhood

your feelings, emotions or thoughts

your behaviour

past and present life events

situations you find difficult

Your therapist will be impartial but understanding. They will listen to you without judgment and help you explore your thoughts and emotions. They may offer information, but they won't tell you what you should think or do.
For more information, see: Introduction to counselling and psychotherapy (pdf 0.1MB)

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Find out how counselling works, what therapists do and what happens in a therapy session. explain some of the key terms and concepts you may hear.

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Talking therapies are psychological treatments for mental and emotional problems like stress, anxiety and depression.
There are lots of different types of talking therapy, but they all involve working with a trained therapist.

This may be one-to-one, in a group, online, over the phone, with your family, or with your partner.

The therapist helps you find answers to the problems you're having.

For some problems and conditions, one type of talking therapy may be better than another.

Different talking therapies also suit different people.

Talking therapies on the NHS

You can get talking therapies like counselling for depression and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the NHS.

You can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a GP.

If you prefer, see a GP and they can refer you and share relevant information about you.

Psychological therapies services are also known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

The aim of CBT is to help you explore and change how you think about your life, and free yourself from unhelpful patterns of behaviour.

You set goals with your therapist and may carry out tasks between sessions.

A course usually involves around 12 to 20 sessions.

CBT has been shown to work for a variety of mental health problems, including:

CBT is available on the NHS for people with depression, anxiety disorders and other mental health problems that it's been proven to help.

Read more about talking therapies on the NHS.

There are also self-help books and computer courses based on CBT to help you overcome common problems like depression.
Find out more about CBT

Guided self-help

Guided self-help is recommended as a treatment for depression, anxiety and panic disorder.

With guided self-help you work through a CBT-based workbook or computer course with the support of a therapist.

The therapist works with you to understand your problems and make positive changes in your life.

Guided self-help aims to give you helpful tools and techniques that you can carry on using after the course has finished.

During the course your therapist will support you with face-to-face appointments or phone calls.

See some more self-help therapies.

Counselling

Counselling is a talking therapy where you talk in confidence to a counsellor. They help you find ways to deal with difficulties in your life.

You may be offered counselling on the NHS if, for example, you:

are struggling to cope with a long-term condition

have chronic pain

have an addiction

are having fertility problems

Counselling on the NHS usually consists of 6 to 12 sessions.

Read more about counselling.

Counselling for depression

Counselling for depression has been specially developed to help people understand the underlying causes of their depression.

Counselling for depression is available through psychological therapies services.

It's usually offered to people who have mild to moderate depression and have already tried other therapies, such as guided self-help.

Behavioural activation

Behavioural activation is a talking therapy that aims to help people with depression take simple, practical steps towards enjoying life again.

It may be offered one-to-one or in a group with regular meetings or phone calls with a therapist.

The aim is to give you the motivation to make small, positive changes in your life.

You'll also learn problem-solving skills to help you tackle problems that are affecting your mood.

You'll usually be offered about 16 to 20 sessions.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

IPT is a talking treatment that helps people with depression identify and address problems in their relationships with family, partners and friends.

The idea is that poor relationships with people in your life can leave you feeling depressed.

Depression can in turn make your relationships with other people worse.

You may be offered IPT if you have severe depression or depression that hasn't responded to other talking therapies, such as CBT.

IPT is usually offered over 16 to 20 sessions.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is another talking therapy that's been developed to help people who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

People who have PTSD may experience intrusive thoughts, memories, nightmares or flashbacks of traumatic events in their past.

EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories of the traumatic event so you can let go of them.

EMDR can be a distressing process, so it's important to have a good support network of family and friends around you if you plan to try it.

A course of treatment is likely to be 8 to 12 sessions.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness-based therapies help you focus on your thoughts and feelings as they happen moment by moment.

They can be used to help treat depression and addiction.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines mindfulness techniques like meditation and breathing exercises with cognitive therapy.

MBCT is one of the options that may be offered to you after a course of treatment for depression to help stop it coming back.

Read more about mindfulness.

You can find mental health apps and tools in the NHS apps library.

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Talking therapies are psychological treatments for mental and emotional problems like stress, anxiety and depression. There are lots of different types of talking therapy, but they all involve working with a trained therapist. This may be one-to-one, in a group, online, over the phone, with your family, or with your partner.

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NHS Mental Health Teams (MHTs)

Mental health teams are part of the NHS. They support people living in the community who have complex or serious mental health problems. This page focuses on secondary mental health teams. What they can do to help you and how you can get referred to them. It also explains what to do if you have problems with your mental health team.

Overview

Mental health teams are there to help you to improve your mental health.

There are different mental health teams such as community mental health team, crisis team and early intervention team.

Different mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, community psychiatric nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists work in a mental health team.

You might get help from the whole team, or from 1 or 2 professionals.

You usually get referred to mental health teams through a health professional.

If you have complex care needs, you might be placed under the Care Programme Approach (CPA). CPA means you will have a care plan which outlines your needs. And a care coordinator to make sure that your needs are met.

On this page the term 'Mental Health Teams' refers to the following teams.

Community mental health teams

Crisis teams

Early intervention teams

Assertive outreach team

About

What is the mental health system?

The mental health system is split into 3 areas. Primary, secondary and tertiary care.

Primary care. This is the entry level of care the NHS. You can get treatment and support from primary care services if you have mild or moderate mental health problems. Primary services include:

your GP,

your local link worker through your GP, and

talking therapy from your local Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service.

Secondary care. This is the next level of care in the NHS. It covers general community and hospital care.

A mental health team (MHT) is part of community care. Community care means you get treatment outside of a hospital stay. You may be referred to an MHT if you need more support with your mental health. MHT's are staffed with professionals such as a psychiatrist and psychologists.

See the next section for more information.

Hospital care includes inpatient treatment. You are an inpatient in hospital if you stay voluntarily, or if you are detained under the Mental Health Act.

Tertiary care. This is highly specialist care within the NHS. It covers specialist community and hospital care.

Examples of community tertiary care are:

assertive outreach teams, and

specialist national services within the Maudsley hospital in London.

The Maudsley is a national service which means that you can access it even if you live outside of London. But you will need a referral.

Specialist hospital care includes secure units. Patients in secure units are usually detained under the Mental Health Act and present a level of risk greater than general mental health services could safely deal with.

You can find more information about:

* GP, what to expect from your doctor by clicking here.
* Talking therapies by clicking here.
* NHS know your rights by clicking here.
* Mental Health Act by clicking here.

Mental health teams

Are there different types of mental health team?

There are different types of mental health teams (MHT) that support different mental health needs. But there is some overlap between the services.

Common MHTs are the following.

Community mental health team

Crisis team

Early intervention team

Assertive outreach team

What is a community mental health team?

A community mental health team (CMHT) can support you to recover from mental health issues. They can give you short or long-term care and treatment if you are in the community.

Health professionals from different backgrounds work in the CMHT. They work together to help you get better.

A team may have one main clinic or office. Or they may work in different places, like GP surgeries or health centers. You may be offered home visits. This will depend on your local NHS Trust. CMHTs are for people aged between 18 and 65.

There are different mental health teams for other age groups. They are:

child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), for people under 18 years old, and

older adult mental health teams, for people who are over 65.

What is a crisis team?

A crisis team can support you if you are having a mental health crisis in the community. They offer short term support to help prevent hospital admission. They can arrange for you to go to hospital if you are very unwell.

Having a mental health crisis can mean different things. It can include:

thinking about suicide or acting on suicidal thoughts,

severely self-harming,

experiencing psychosis, where you are out of touch with your normal reality, or

doing something that could put you or other people at risk.

A crisis team can also support you when you are discharged from a short stay in hospital.

The team may:

offer medication,

arrange regular visits, and

make sure you are in touch with other services to get long-term support, such as the CMHT or social services.

Crisis teams are sometimes called:

You can get crisis support by:

What is an early intervention team?

Early intervention in psychosis team (EIT) services can support you if you experience psychosis for the first time. You might get help from an EIT service if you have psychosis and have used drugs.

Psychosis is a medical term. If you have psychosis you will process the world around you differently to other people. This can include how you experience, believe or view things.

You might see or hear things that others do not. Or believe things other people do not. Some people describe it as a "break from reality". It is common symptom for people who have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that early intervention services should be open to people of all ages.

You should be referred to the EIT without delay. You should be referred to a crisis team if EIT can't provide urgent support for you in a crisis. But you should still be supported by the EIT at the same time.

You can find more information about 'Psychosis' by clicking here.

What is an assertive outreach team?

An assertive outreach team (AOT) may work with you if you are 18 or over and you need intensive support because of complex mental health needs. The team aim to give you support, so that you are able to get the treatment or care that you need from other services.

This support can help you to manage your condition better. And reduce your chances of going back to hospital. The AOT is also known as the complex care team (CCT) or programme of assertive community treatment (PACT).

However, AOT's no longer exist in most areas. You will be able to get support from the community mental health team if there is not an AOT in your area.

You may need the AOT if you have:

a severe long-term mental illness that affects you every day,

been in hospital many times and have often used crisis services,

problems working with mental health services, or

complex needs such as:

violent behaviour,

serious self-harming,

not responding to treatment,

drug or alcohol use and mental illness. This is known as dual diagnosis,

being detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act in the last 2 years, or

unstable accommodation or homelessness.

AOTs should review your care plan every 6 months. See further down this page about care programme approach (CPA).

Why don't AOT's exist in most areas?

Studies have shown that although AOT's can improve people's engagement with appointments, they haven't largely changed:

hospital bed use,

people's need for crisis support, or

the patient experience.

Is a drug and alcohol team a mental health team?

Drug and alcohol teams are not usually specifically for people with mental health needs. They support people with an alcohol or drug addiction. They are sometimes called 'addiction services.' If you have an alcohol or drug addiction and a mental health condition this is called having a 'dual diagnosis.'

You may need to work with both the substance abuse team and community mental health team to manage your symptoms. In some areas of the country the NHS will have a dual diagnosis team to support recovery. They will usually work as part of the community mental health team.

If you have complex mental health needs and a substance abuse issue you may be supported under a package of care called the care programme approach (CPA).

Providers of mental health and alcohol and drug use services have a joint responsibility to work together to meet the needs of people with dual diagnosis.

You can find more information about 'Drugs alcohol and mental health' by clicking here.

Who makes up a mental health team?

Most staff in a mental health team will have a mental health or social care background. Staff can include psychiatrists, social workers, mental health nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and support workers.

All staff work together and have meetings to discuss the progress of anyone they support. These meetings are called 'multi-disciplinary meetings.'

Psychiatrists

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialist training in mental health. They can diagnose mental illness, prescribe medication, and recommend treatment.

Social workers

A social worker is trained to give practical help with your social needs. Such as housing problems, financial issues, or by giving general support and advice.

Community psychiatric nurses (CPNs)

A CPN is a mental health nurse who works in the community. They can give you medication and help you to manage your health in the community.

Psychologists

A psychologist specialises in how your mind works. They will ask you questions to try to understand how your thoughts and feelings affect your behaviour. They can offer advice and therapy. They don't normally prescribe medication.

Occupational therapists

An occupational therapist will give practical support to help you to do activities that you find difficult. They will help you to think about different ways of doing the activity. They will often give support in your home to help you to be as independent as possible.

Care Coordinators

A care coordinator is responsible for organizing and monitoring your care if you are under the care programme approach (CPA). Normally, you will see your care coordinator more often than other NHS staff. Care coordinators can be nurses, social workers, community psychiatric nurses (CPN) or occupational therapists.

See further down this page for more information about care programme approach (CPA).

Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHP)

An AMHP is a mental health professional who is trained to use the Mental Health Act. They can be a psychologist, nurse, social worker, or occupational therapist. They help to decide if you should be detained under the Mental Health Act along with 2 doctors. The role of the AMHP is to give a social, rather than a medical opinion. Even if they have a medical background. An AMHP can help to bring you to hospital.

Other professionals

Other people will also make up the team. For example, managers, psychotherapists, support workers and administrators.

Access & choice

How can I access a mental health team?

A health professional will usually need to refer you to a mental health team. If the team accept the referral, they will book an appointment for you. A referral is when a health professional asks a different service to support you.

How can I access the community mental health team, crisis team or early intervention team?

Community mental health teams, crisis teams and early intervention teams can accept referrals from:

Sometimes these teams will accept referrals from:

Early intervention teams and crisis teams are more likely to accept a self or family referral.

It is more unusual for CMHTs to accept referrals from you or your family.

If you would like to know if a self-referral is possible in your area, you can ask your local service for more information. Sometimes you can find information from looking online.

How can I access the assertive outreach team?

The assertive outreach team can accept referrals from:

AOTs will not usually accept referrals from:

What can I do if the referral isn't accepted?

Mental health teams may not accept a referral from a professional, you or your family member.

If your referral has not been accepted, ask the service to explain the reason why.

If you disagree with their reason for not accepting your referral you can:

talk to the professional who referred you to see if they can help,or

ask the service to see their policy. A service should have a policy to explain which patients will be accepted by the service. You have a right to request this information under the Freedom of Information Act.

See further down this page for information on problems with mental health teams and what you can do if your referral is not accepted.

What can I do if there isn't a service in my area that will meet my mental health needs?

If there are no services for your needs in your area you can talk to your doctor or healthcare team and ask them to make an individual funding request (IFR). An individual funding request means that you are asking the NHS to give you funding for treatment that exists in a different area. Or you are asking them to fund treatment which is not usually available on the NHS. IFR are only approved in exceptional circumstances.

You can find more information about:

Advocacy by clicking here.

Complaints by clicking here.

NHS Treatment: your rights by clicking here.

Can I choose which mental health team I go to?

You have a legal right to choose your mental health provider and team in some situations. These rights apply when:

An elective referral means that you wish to be referred for treatment that is not urgent or crisis care. This means if you need urgent care or crisis support you will not be able to pick your provider or care team.

First outpatient appointment means your first appointment with your chosen provider at the start of a new episode of care. For example, if you start treatment with a mental health team, you don't have a right to swap your team halfway through your treatment.

Appointments

How long do I have to wait for my appointment?

If the mental health team accept your referral, someone will call or write to you and give you an appointment. If you are worried about waiting times, talk to the professional who referred you for support.

Community mental health team. You shouldn't have to wait more than 18 weeks for an appointment.

Early intervention team (EIT). You should start getting treatment for psychosis 2 weeks after your referral. Treatment may include antipsychotic medication and talking therapy like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

If EIT can't provide urgent support for you in a crisis, you should be referred to a crisis team. But you should still be supported by the early intervention in psychosis services at the same time.

Crisis team. Most areas have a crisis team that are open 24/7. You should get support quickly if you need this service. The NHS have said that every area in England will have a 24/7 mental health crisis service by 2021.

You can call your local NHS urgent mental health helpline to find out what support is available. Click on the below link to find your local number or call NHS 111. www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline.

Assertive outreach team. You shouldn't have to wait more than 18 weeks for an appointment.

What will happen during my first appointment?

At your first appointment you will have a mental health assessment with at least 1 health professional. Your assessment may take a few appointments to complete.

The reason for the assessment is to find out what support and treatment you need to help you recover.

You will be asked about things such as the following.

Your thoughts, feelings and actions

Your symptoms and experiences

Support you already have

If you care for anyone

Your housing and financial needs

Your employment and training needs

Your relationships

Cultural or religious needs

Drug or alcohol use

Your current coping techniques

What you want to achieve in the future

You might be asked about things that have happened in your past. Some people find this difficult. Don't be afraid to say if you don't feel comfortable to talk about something.

Give the team any information that you think is important to help them to understand your needs. The team will only be able to support you with things that you tell them about. If you find certain topics hard to discuss you could write down what you want to say before the appointment and hand the paper to the professional to read.

Your treatment or care plan should meet your mental health needs. You should be involved in the planning of your care. Your wishes for support and treatment should be listened to. You should be at the centre of your care. This is called a person-centred approach. Talk to your care team if you feel as though you are not being involved enough with your care.

You can also involve any carers, friends or family in your care planning. They should be encouraged to share their views. You should be asked on different occasions if you would like your family to be involved with your care.

Your care might involve help from 1 team member. Or you might work with different members of the team.

If you have complex care needs, you may be assessed under the care programme approach (CPA). This means you will have a care coordinator to support you. Some people have a preference for a male or female care coordinator. Tell the assessor if this is important to you. But be aware that you may not be given your preference.

See the next section for more information on the care programme approach (CPA).

Are the mental health team responsible for all of my healthcare needs?

A mental health team will generally only support with your mental health needs. Such as medication or talking therapy.

Your GP will still be responsible for the rest of your medical care, such as physical health needs.

However, even if you are under the care of the mental health team your GP may be responsible for prescribing your mental health medication. This will depend on shared care arrangements. Shared care is when your GP prescribes medication under guidance from another team.

Shared care may work for you if you prefer your medication to be prescribed by a GP rather than a psychiatrist. For example, your GP may be closer to your home than the MHT. But your GP needs to make sure that they are clinically able to prescribe your medication before agreeing to shared care.

What if I have psychosis or a severe mental illness?

A mental health team will support with both your mental health needs and monitor your physical health needs if you have psychosis. Your physical health monitoring will be transferred to your GP after 12 months. Or until your symptoms have become stable.

Your GP should offer you a regular physical health check if you have a severe mental illness. This is because you are a higher risk of developing certain physical health conditions. Your GP have a register that should remind them when this is due.

As part of your health monitoring, a doctor or nurse may check your:

CPA (Care programme approach)

What is the Care Programme Approach (CPA)?

The Care Programme Approach (CPA) is a package of care that is used by mental health services. CPA should be available if you have a wide range of needs from different services or you are thought to be a high risk of harm. This is known as having complex care needs.

You will have a care plan and a professional to coordinate your care if you are under CPA. All care plans must include a crisis plan.

CPA aims to support your mental health recovery by helping you to understand your:

Not everyone who is supported by a mental health team will be under CPA.

You can find more information about 'Care Programme Approach (CPA)' by clicking here.

Stopping support & complaints

What will happen to my care if I move area?

Your mental health team (MHT) should make sure that your care is transferred to a local MHT if you move to a different area. Tell your team as early as you can when you are due to move. Your care is unlikely to be transferred to a different MHT if you remain local to the area.

When will I stop seeing the mental health team?

As a general rule you should continue to get support from the mental health team until you no longer need it. But usually you will only get 3 years support from an early intervention team. This can be extended if you have not made a stable recovery.

When you no longer receive support from a service, you are 'discharged' from their care. Mental health teams should make sure that you have the right support to stay well before they discharge you.

As part of your discharge you may be referred or signposted to a more appropriate service. For example, if you need longer term support to stay well, a crisis team may refer you to the community mental health team (CMHT). Crisis teams only tend to offer short term support. Or the assertive outreach team may refer you to the CMHT if you no longer need intensive support.

They should give you information on what to do, or who to contact, if your mental health gets worse. A 24-hour helpline should be available to service users so that they can discuss any problems arising after discharge. You could ask the team how you can be referred back to them if you need their support.

Who should be involved in the discharge process?

Your mental health team should involve you in the discharge process.

Mental health teams should also check if you have support from people close to you. This can include family members, friends or your partner. They should be involved in your discharge if you would like them to be.

What should I do if I don't think I should be discharged?

Ask the service to explain the reason why you were discharged.

If you disagree with their reason for discharge you can:

talk to the professional who referred you to see if they can help, and

ask the service if you can see their policy. A service should have a policy to explain when patients will be discharged from the service. You have a right to request this information under the Freedom of Information Act.

See further down for more information about your options.

Will my benefits be affected if I am discharged from a mental health team?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) won't stop or reduce your benefits if you are discharged from a mental health team.

But your entitlement to certain benefits might be affected. This is because your health may have improved. Benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), certain components of Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are based on how your illness affects you.

You are responsible for telling the DWP if your health has improved. Health professionals are unlikely to do this for you.

You can find out more information about:

Employment and support allowance by clicking here.

Personal independence payment by clicking here.

What other services may support me if I am discharged from a mental health team?

When you are discharged from a mental health team you might get support from:

You can find more information about:

GP what to expect from your doctor by clicking here.

Social Care Assessment under the Care Act 2014 by clicking here.

What if I have problems with my mental health team?

You can try the following to try to solve any problems you have with the mental health team.

Contact to your care coordinator

Not everyone will have a care coordinator.

If you have an issue with your care or treatment they should be a good person to talk to. Your care coordinator is responsible for making sure that your care needs are met.

See the previous section on the care programme approach (CPA) for more information.

Contact PALS

If you are unhappy with your care or treatment you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). PALS are a service within the NHS. They can try to help you with any problems or questions you have. There is more information on finding your local PALS in the 'useful contacts' section at the bottom of this page.

Contact an advocacy service

Advocates are not part of the NHS. They are a free service that can help you to make your voice heard and help deal with problems with services. There are different types of advocacy services. A community advocate may be able to help you talk to professionals, help you write letters, or attend appointments or meetings with you. An NHS complaints advocate can help you to make a complaint.

Make a complaint

You can make a formal complaint if you are unhappy with care, treatment or facilities that the NHS provide. You can find details about how to make a complaint on the website of your local NHS Trust.

You can find more information about:

Confidentiality

What about confidentiality?

The mental health team needs your permission to share information with other professionals, or your family or friends. But they can share information with any health professionals that need to be involved in your care, such as your GP. They can do this without your consent. This is known as implied consent.

They can share information with other professionals if they are worried about your safety, or the safety of other people. They can do this without your consent.

You can find more information about 'Confidentiality' by clicking here.

Carer's, friends & family

What can I expect from the mental health team as a carer, friend or relative?

The mental health team (MHT) should do the following to support you.

Do I have a right to know information about someone's care and treatment?

An MHT can only share information about someone's care if the person it concerns agrees to have their information shared.

You should talk to the person you care for about what information they are happy for you to know. This information should be written in their records.

The MHT should involve you in care planning if the person you care for would like you to be involved.

How can I look after my own mental health?

As a carer it is important to look after your own mental wellbeing. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. If you need support to care for someone, you could try the following:

talk to friends and family,

talk to your doctor,

join a carers service. They are free and available in most areas, or

join a support group for carers, friends and family.

You can find more information about:

Confidentiality and information sharing - for carers, friends and relatives by clicking here.

Supporting someone with a mental illness by clicking here.

Carers Assessment by clicking here.

Respite care - breaks for carers by clicking here.

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Mental health teams are part of the NHS. They support people living in the community who have complex or serious mental health problems. This page focuses on secondary mental health teams. What they can do to help you and how you can get referred to them.