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Mental Health

October 2009
Newt Hollyoaks

There are all sorts of mental health problems and many misconceptions about mental illness, which can cause people to feel confused and isolated. However with correct diagnosis, treatment and support many young people continue to lead perfectly normal lives.

Newt has a mental health problem which is normally controlled by prescribed medication. However he has stopped taking his medication and become increasingly ill and a danger to himself.

If you're concerned about your own or someone else's mental health, read on for information on organisations that can help.

SANEline provide crisis care and emotional support to anyone affected by any mental health problem. Trained mental health staff are available to take calls 0845 767 8000 (local rate, 6 - 11pm every day of the year) or email sanemail@sane.org.uk.

Rethink is the largest voluntary national provider of mental health services which include advocacy, carer support, community support, criminal justice, crisis services, employment & training, helplines, housing, clinical services, nursing and residential care. For information or to speak to Rethink National Advice Service call 0845 456 0455 (Monday – Friday 10am - 1pm) or e-mail advice@rethink.org

Young Minds offer information and support to young people and their parents on a range of mental health issues. They have some helpful booklets especially for young people on subjects such as self-injury, depression, sexual abuse, bullying and eating disorders. You can find these leaflets and other information on their website or e mail to enquiries@youngminds.org.uk.

Young Minds run a free dedicated Parents Information Line on 0808 802 5544 (free, Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm, Wednesday evening 6 - 8pm).

Schizophrenia World is a subscriber website. Their trained volunteers also run the BPD – Borderline Personality Disorder helpline on 0844 357 4567. This line is available 24 hours a day to take your contact details and get back to you.

Mind offers an information service on all aspects of mental health on the local rate Mindinfoline 0845 766 0163 (local rate, weekdays 9am - 5pm). To find a local branch of MIND go their website.

The Mental Health Foundation produce a range of publications on mental health as well as reports and briefings. Most of these can be downloaded free of charge from the website or call to order from 020 7803 1101 or email mhf@mhf.org.uk.

If you're feeling distressed and need someone to talk to, you can phone Samaritans at any time of day or night on 08457 90 90 90 or e-mail for support through jo@samaritans.org and their website at www.samaritans.org.

Other useful sites:

Mental Health Care

There's a lot of information on a variety of mental health issues on the Channel 4 health site.

www.mind.org.uk

0845 - calls cost up to 4p per minute with a max 10p set up plus from a BT land line, mobile and other network rates may be higher
0844 - calls cost up to 5p per minute with a max 10p set up plus from a BT land line, mobile and other network rates may be higher
0808/0800 – free