Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Canterbury and Coastal Commissioning Group Celebrating World Mental Health Day Oct 2014 NHS Canterbury and Coastal Clinical Commissioning Group is asking local people to think about schizophrenia on World Mental Health Day 2014. World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, and aims to raise awareness of mental health concerns around the world, and mobilise efforts in support of mental health. The theme for 2014 is ‘living with schizophrenia’ – a disease that is often misunderstood by many in society. In the Canterbury and Coastal area, there are more than 1,600 people registered as having severe mental illness – including schizophrenia – with incidence of the illness strongly linked to deprivation. Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, muddled thoughts based on the hallucinations or delusions, and changes in behaviour. Schizophrenia is often described as a ‘psychotic’ illness because a person with the disease may not be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality. Roughly one in every 100 people is diagnosed with schizophrenia and it affects men and women equally. Most people diagnosed with schizophrenia are aged between 18 and 35, but men tend to be diagnosed at a slightly younger age than women. African-Caribbean men in the UK are much more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia in comparison to white people, but there is no evidence of biological vulnerability. Despite much research, the causes of schizophrenia are still unknown, but there is strong evidence pointing to a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors contributing to the condition developing. Some people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event – such as a bereavement or redundancy – may trigger a psychotic episode. But it’s not known why some people develop symptoms while others do not. There has been significant research into the link between cannabis use and schizophrenia. Teenagers under 15 who use cannabis regularly – particularly the ‘skunk’ variety – are up to four times more likely to develop schizophrenia by the age of 26. Dr Azubuike Chile, the CCG’s clinical lead for mental health, said: “There are widespread myths that surround schizophrenia. For example, people assume someone with schizophrenia will have a split personality and are very violent. This simply is not true. “NHS Canterbury and Coastal CCG is committed to supporting those with mental illness. Those with schizophrenia have to face much adversity, and their condition needs to be viewed with compassion and understanding.” Treatment and care are usually based in the community rather than at hospitals. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that the patient's social circumstances be assessed and their family involved as soon as possible. Most areas of the UK have a community mental healthcare team which includes psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists and social workers. A key worker such as a community psychiatric nurse or psychiatric social worker is usually allocated to co-ordinate the care for each person with schizophrenia. With medication and talking therapies, many people with schizophrenia now never have to go into hospital and are able to settle down, work and have lasting relationships. For every five people with schizophrenia: • One will get better within five years of their first obvious symptoms. • Three will get better, but will have times when they get worse again. • One will have troublesome symptoms for long periods of time. Anyone experiencing a mental health emergency who needs help and to speak to someone immediately can call the 24-hour Mental Health Matters Helpline on 0800 107 0160 and a trained telephone adviser will support you to find help. Mental Health Matters also have a Freephone number for mobiles: 0300 330 5486. Support and advice is also available on the mental health matters at the Live It Well website at www.liveitwell.org.uk Further information and advice can be found at Mental Health Matters website www.mentalhealthmatters.com If anyone is worried about their mental health – or the mental health of someone else – they can visit the Health Help Now, the website which has been optimised for use on mobile devices that have internet access. Go to www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) was founded in 1948, and is an international membership organisation. It exists to advance, among all peoples and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health. World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992, and is designed to educate people about mental illness and raise awareness.