Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave
One in four people in the UK has a mental health problem at some point in their lives, which affects their daily life, relationships or physical health. Mental health disorders take many different forms and affect people in different ways. Schizophrenia, depression and personality disorders are all examples of mental health problems. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia generally develop in old age, whereas eating disorders are more common in young people.
Mental health services are free on the NHS. Your mental health is essential, and you should get help if you need it. Here’s what you can do:
Access to Mental Health
https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/access-mental-health
If you are struggling to cope or feel yourself nearing a breakdown, Access Mental Health is there to provide help.
Designed in partnership with local people, it offers a range of services which provide support at times and places when people need it the most. For more information, visit the Access Mental Health website (see above).
You don’t need to be referred by your GP or other health professional, you can just reach out for help when you need it. Mental health professionals and peer support workers will be on hand to help you avoid a crisis and help you find the path to recovery.
People of any age and their families can access our services.
Steps 2 Wellbeing
There are also some mental health services that you can use without talking to your GP first. This is known as self-referral. Many people experience difficulties with feeling low or depressed, finding it hard to motivate themselves or feeling more tired than usual. The Steps 2 Wellbeing Service is a free, confidential NHS service for anyone aged 18+ who is registered at a GP surgery in Dorset. Offering a range of different types of treatment for people experiencing problems with low mood/depression, anxiety or stress. Some of the issues can include:
- Depression and low mood
- Anxiety (including social anxiety and generalised anxiety)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Specific phobias
- Panic disorder
- Stress
Steps2Wellbeing provide support either over the telephone, face-to-face, in groups or via the internet. The use of language or British Sign Language interpreters can be arranged if required.
Self refer online:>>
Dorset Mind
Dorset Mind is a Dorset Charity that supports people with mental health challenges. They educate, challenge mental health stigma and inequality and promote recovery by empowering indviduals to develop reslilience. Their support includes adult counselling, support groups, Active Monitoring and Mentoring Minds. For more information visit their website: Mental Health Help in Dorset | Dorset Mind
Healthwatch
Looking after your mental health this winter - Healthwatch : Looking after your mental health this winter | Healthwatch
Social Prescribing and Wellbeing Services
For many people, circumstances beyond the purely medical such as fatigue, grief, isolation, loneliness, finances, their role as a Carer, and health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and pain, can give rise to additional worries, issues, and needs. Your GP may refer you to the Social Prescribing service, or you may wish to self refer, in which case you can contact the Dorset Self-Management Service – Social Prescribing Team by calling 0303 303 0153.
Or visit the information page on their website:>>
Talk to Your GP
Your GP can also talk to you about your mental health and help introduce you to the right mental health service for your needs. Contact us to make an appointment for a GP consultation:>>
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.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Gateway (CAMHS)
https://camhsdorset.org/about-camhs/camhs-gateway
This service acts as a the “Front Door “ to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Dorset and is available for self-referral for young people aged 16-18 years.
Information about all the services available in Dorset to help children and young people under 18 experiencing problems with their mental health can be found at: https://dorsetyouth.com/mental-health. This includes information about how to access help in an emergency and information about all the other organisations and resources that can provide help and support.
Dorset Youth
Have a great website full of information and resources for young people including Dorset Youths Mental Health Hub, where you can find mental health and emotional support services. Dorset Youth's Homepage
Shout
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, the trained shout voluteers and avaliable day or night. Get help - free, 24/7, confidential mental health text support service | Shout 85258 (giveusashout.org)
Kooth
Your online mental wellbeing community- read articles, start or join discussions, write in your own daily journal to track your feelings and chat to the helpful team about anything thats on your mind. Home - Kooth
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.
Further Information
More information on local mental health services can be found on the Purbeck Primary Care Network (PCN) website:>>