Mental and Psychological Health

Stress

Stress is the term most people use to describe the mental and physical symptoms experienced when the pressures of life feel more pressing or even overwhelming. There are a variety of symptoms experienced by people when they are under stress.

If you feel that you are suffering from stress a number of things can help. Firstly exercise is an excellent way of dispelling tension, most healthy people should be exercising at least 3 times a week – even if just by taking a walk. If you feel uncertain that you are fit to exercise please see your GP for advice and assessment.

Relaxation therapies are also an excellent way people can manage their own stress. Pursuing a hobby, getting out and about, taking a scented bath, listening to music, having a massage, or having a short break are all methods of relaxing the mind and body and removing yourself from stressful situations.

If you feel overwhelmed by stress it may be that you are suffering from anxiety or depression. This is a very common problem and your doctor can help. Please book an appointment with your doctor to discuss this.

There is a service locally designed to help people suffering with stress –

http://www.ndevon.ac.uk/information/14/artsopresp/aop_home.htm

Hearing Voices

There are a number of reasons why you could be having these experiences. The most important thing to do is to talk to someone who can help, like your GP or someone you trust.

Everyone’s mental health varies from time to time and for most this may just be a temporary change but for some of us these symptoms can become difficult to manage and can go on to disrupt our lives.

1 in 4 people will have a significant episode of mental health difficulties at some time in their lives.

That makes it pretty common and likely to affect you in some kind of way, whether it be your own experience of mental ill health or someone close to you.

Ignoring the problems, or just hoping they will go away, can be a real set back for recovery, as problems and difficulties tend to build up. That’s why we want you to STEP ON IT!

If you have concerns about changes in your behavior or your feelings and thoughts, or have concerns about someone close to you, don’t just wait and hope things change or hope someone else does something about it. Take the STEP now. The earlier people seek help the easier it is to help, and the more effective that help is likely to be.

WHERE CAN YOU GET HELP?

Talk to someone who can assist you.

Your GP (Doctor) is a good place to start. Or phone 01271 325 432 and ask to speak to someone from STEP.

Or call NHS Direct 24hrs: 0845 4647

The Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90

24hrs or email: jo@samaritans.org

if you have access to the internet why not check out these sites;

www.nhsdirect.co.uk

www.rethink.org/at-ease

www.readthesigns.org

Leaflet source:
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
SPECIALIST TEAM for EARLY PSYCHOSIS

People to Talk to

If you are struggling emotionally your GP can help. Alternatively there are a number of excellent agencies available for advice –

Samaritans –

In the UK dial 08457 90 90 90, for the cost of a local call,

Find it impossible to talk about your problems? Email jo@samaritans.org

If you are in crisis and need to write about how you are feeling, you can write to Samaritans at:
Chris, P.O. Box 90 90 , Stirling , FK8 2SA

www.samiritans.org

www.relate.org.uk/

Age Concern (01271) 324488

Quay Centre Drug problems (01271) 344454

Alcohol problems (01271) 325232

Cruse bereavement help (01271) 379719

Relate relationship counselling. Bideford and Barnstaple 01392 275 681.

Health Monitoring for People with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Affective Disorder and Severe Depression

It is well known that people suffering from mental health problems are less likely to readily access healthcare services and are therefore less likely to have problems such as high blood pressure diagnosed.

At Bideford Medical Centre we would like all of our patients suffering from Schizophrenia, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Mania, Severe Depression, and Paranoid states to see their GP once a year for a general check-up. This involves your doctor checking your blood pressure, and if necessary height, weight, cholesterol level, performing a test for diabetes and discussing your medication with you to make sure all tablets are still needed and are at appropriate dosages. Due to the importance of these assessments they need a 20 minute appointment, please advise the receptionists of this at the time of booking.