From this section, you can find out:
If the person doesn't want help
Not everyone with a mental health illness is willing to accept help, and often they may not even acknowledge that there is a problem either for themselves or for others.
If the person you support is an adult and doesn't want help or doesn’t acknowledge a problem, it may seem difficult to know what to do next. Getting help and accepting there is a problem can be very stressful and frightening, especially if the person has a fear of statutory agencies - all you can do is encourage them to speak to their GP and give them useful leaflets and information for them to reconsider this at a later date. Simply because someone does not want help now does not necessarily mean that they will not want help in the future.
In the meantime, you can get individual support as a Carer from Fiona, our Caring & Mental Health specialist within our Support & Advocacy Team, or from other Carers through our groups or training courses. You can also get more information from specialist mental health websites.
However, if you are concerned for the safety of someone, for others or for yourself you can speak directly to your GP or to the GP of the person you support (they will listen but not actually discuss without permission). If your concern is out-of-hours you can contact NHS 24 on 08454 242424 or - if your concern is more immediate – contact the Police.
If the person you support wants help
The gateway to all statutory health services such as the Primary Care Mental Health Team or Community Mental Health Team is through the person's GP. Alternatively their GP may refer them to a Psychologist.
You may also be able to access help from East Dunbartonshire Social Work Department.
Naturally you can continue to get individual support as a Carer from Fiona, our Caring & Mental Health specialist within our Support & Advocacy Team, or from other Carers through our groups or training courses.
If the person you support already has a diagnosis
If they have a diagnosis and are also getting support, you might find that talking with other Carers is the only support you need - either within the group or one-to-one through Carers Call.
However, if you have concerns about the level of support that they are receiving or are concerned about your ability to cope or to continue caring, or if the person you support is going through a bad or difficult period of mental health, you will need to raise your concerns with the person involved in their care. This will usually be a CPN, Psychiatrist or GP.
In cases of emergency you can call the Police or the Out-of-Hours Crisis Team 8pm – 8am: 0845 650 1730.
