Mental Health Awareness Week

Lets hope that current increasing publicity and open discussion about mental health issues and lack of mental health provision will start to slowly improve treatment options for those affected.

Mental health services are under such a huge strain, it's awful that so many people aren't getting the help they need. It simply can't go on like this.

my neighbours daughter jumped from a bridge leaving behind three wee ones.She had PND in both her previous pregnancies yet she didn't get the help she needed with her last baby who was just weeks old when she died .Its not taken seriously enough by most people who think its just "baby blues" and will pass .I have known at least five young people who have committed suicide over the past 30 years ,thats quite a lot in a small town ,and thats just the ones I knew .When my son was suicidal after his relationship break up we had a GP who was a great help but sadly they seem to be few and far between .He visited my son at home, sometimes two or three times a day, and sat and talked and more importantly LISTENED to him .At first he wouldn't communicate at all but gradually the GP got him to talk and what a relief when he opened up and finally started to heal.We used to hear people say "pull yourself together" and I wish it was that easy but unless there is qualified help on hand the suicide rates will continue to rise .Its sad that its not a brach of healthcare that attracts a lot of interest from new recruits to medicine ,but I'm sure the rewards oof saving a life must be as great if not greater .

I don't know if this is country wide but up here (NE) we have a scheme called Talking Therapy. I know 2 people who have used this and both found it excellent. Basically you have a short telephone appointment and then you are allocated someone from Talking Therapy and you go to them every week/month whatever. They have the ability to refer on if necessary.

I know I was shot down on another thread but still feel that there are people who would make excellent MH councillors/nurses but may not be traditionally qualified (bandages and injections) kind of nurses. There would still be training involved (obviously) but this could be a stepping stone to getting the right help before its too late.