MHAP_Portsmouth_19_09

PORTSMOUTH 2019
MENTAL HEALTH
Awareness
The magazine raising awareness of mental health issues
FREE
covering: Queen Alexandra Hospital
St Mary’s Hospital
Petersfield Hospital
Gosport war Memorial Hospital
INFORM
A-Z contact list
for help & advice
INVOLVE
Focus on Addiction,
Dementia &
Depression
INFLUENCE
How to get
help for mental
health issues
www.mhap co.uk

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Welcome
A very warm welcome to Mental Health
Awareness 2019, an independent
magazine which brings the issue of
Mental Health directly to the general
public.
Our objective is to provide educational and
informative content which will raise the
profile of Mental Health issues across the
local community.
There are many different types of Mental
Health disorders that can affect anybody
at any stage in their lives. If you or a family
member or friend have been diagnosed
with a mental health problem you might be
looking for information on your diagnosis,
treatment options and where to go for
support. We provide an important list
of useful first point contact information
which can be used to get help for varying
mental health issues (pages 14 - 15).
In addition, our magazines give a vital
platform to various local mental health
organisations and volunteer groups
to highlight the wide range of support
services that are available to those who
may need them.
In this edition we highlight the Patient
Advice and Liaison Service initiative
(PALS) at Queen Alexandra Hospital (page
25). This service offers ‘on-the-spot’
advice to visitors and provides information
about other organisations or groups that
may be helpful.
We also feature the details of Solent
MIND (page 9) and a mental health blog
providing education, practical skills and
resources for wellbeing (page 21).
Our publication also provides helpful
and informative articles on the following
specific Mental Health issues:
• General Addiction (page 2)
• Alcohol (pages 4 & 5)
• Drugs (page 6)
• Gambling (page 8)
• Dementia (pages 10 - 11)
• Depression (pages 17 & 18)
• Post Natal Depression (page 20)
• Anxiety / Panic Attacks (page 22)
• Phobias (page 23)
• Eating Disorders (page 24)
• Help for Suicidal Thoughts (page 26)
If you would like to be included in the 2020
issue of Mental Health Awareness or wish
to provide any feedback, please send an
email to Ricky at: sales@mhap.co.uk.
Mental Health Publications
Publisher
Email: sales@mhap.co.uk
www.mhap.co.uk
Sales - Ricky Edwards
01375 402546
Mental Health Publications Limited do not make any recommendations as to the fitness of the advertisers appearing in this publication to carry our
their services and no recommendations should be deemed to have been made.
All rights reserved. No part of Mental Health Publications Limited publications may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly
or in part without prior permission of the publisher.
This magazine is published by Mental Health Publications Limited.
© Mental Health Publications Limited 2019
www.mhap.co.uk 1

General
Addiction:
What is it?
If you have an addiction, you’re not alone. According
to the charity Action on Addiction, one in three of us
are addicted to something.
Addiction is defined as not having control over doing,
taking or using something to the point where it could
be harmful to you. Addiction is most commonly
associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol & nicotine,
but it’s possible to be addicted to just about
anything, including:
work – workaholics are obsessed with their work
to the extent that they suffer physical exhaustion. If
your relationship, family & social life are suffering &
you never take holidays, you may be a work addict.
internet – as computer & mobile phone use
has increased, so too have computer & internet
addictions. People may spend hours each day
& night surfing the internet or gaming while
neglecting other aspects of their lives.
solvents – volatile substance abuse is when you
inhale substances such as glue, aerosols, petrol
or lighter fuel to give you a feeling of intoxication.
Solvent abuse can be fatal.
shopping – shopping becomes an addiction when
you buy things you don’t need or want to achieve
a buzz. This is quickly followed by feelings of guilt,
shame or despair.
What causes addictions?
There are lots of reasons why addictions begin.
In the case of drugs, alcohol & nicotine, these
substances affect the way you feel, both physically
& mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable & create
a powerful urge to use the substances again.
Gambling may result in a similar mental “high”
after a win, followed by a strong urge to try again &
recreate that feeling. This can develop into a habit
that becomes very hard to stop.
Being addicted to something means that not
having it causes withdrawal symptoms, or a “come
down”. Because this can be unpleasant, it’s easier
to carry on having or doing what you crave, & so
the cycle continues.
Often, an addiction gets out of control because
you need more & more to satisfy a craving &
achieve the “high”.
How addictions can affect you:
The strain of managing an addiction can seriously
damage your work life & relationships. In the case
of substance abuse (for example, drugs & alcohol),
an addiction can have serious psychological &
physical effects.
Some studies suggest addiction is genetic, but
environmental factors, such as being around
other people with addictions, are also thought to
increase the risk.
An addiction can be a way of blocking out difficult
issues. Unemployment & poverty can trigger addiction,
along with stress & emotional or professional pressure.
Getting help for addictions:
Addiction is a treatable condition. Whatever the
addiction, there are lots of ways you can seek help.
You could see your GP for advice or contact an
organisation that specialises in helping people
with addictions.
Alcohol addiction services - Alcoholics Anonymous
0845 769 7555 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Drug addiction services - Narcotics Anonymous
0300 999 1212 www.ukna.org.uk
Gambling addiction services - Gamblers
Anonymous UK www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Stop smoking services - SmokeFree 0300 1231044
Rehab 4 Addiction - free helpline dedicated to
assisting those suffering from drug, alcohol and
mental health problems. Tel: 0800 140 4690
www.rehab4addiction.co.uk
To speak to someone anonymously about any kind
of addiction, you can also call the Samaritans on 116
123 – 24 hour helpline. Other helpful contacts can be
found on our Mental Health Glossary on pages
14 and 15.
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Alcohol
Addiction
Alcohol misuse means drinking excessively. If
someone loses control over their drinking and
has an excessive desire to drink, it’s known as
dependent drinking (alcoholism).
Alcohol consumption is measured in units.
A unit of alcohol is 10ml of pure alcohol, which
is about:
half a pint of lower to normal-strength lager/
beer/cider (ABV 3.6%)
a single small shot measure (25ml)
of spirits (25ml, ABV 40%)
• a small glass (125ml) of wine contains about
1.5 units of alcohol.
Lower-risk limits
To keep your risk of alcohol-related harm low,
the NHS recommends not regularly drinking
more than 14 units of alcohol a week. If you drink
as much as 14 units a week, it’s best to spread
this evenly over 3 or more days.
If you’re trying to reduce the amount of alcohol
you drink, it’s a good idea to have several
alcohol-free days each week
Regular or frequent drinking means drinking
alcohol most weeks. The risk to your health is
increased by drinking any amount of alcohol on
a regular basis.
Risks of alcohol misuse
Alcohol misuse increases your long term risk of
serious health problems such as heart disease,
stroke, liver disease, pancreatitis and various
forms of cancer. It can also lead to social
problems, such as unemployment, divorce,
domestic abuse and homelessness.
Short-term
The short-term risks of alcohol
misuse include:
accidents and injuries requiring hospital
treatment, such as a head injury
violent behaviour and being a victim of violence
unprotected sex that could potentially lead to
unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted
infections (STIs)
loss of personal possessions, such as wallets,
keys or mobile phones
alcohol poisoning – this may
lead to vomiting, seizures (fits) and
falling unconscious
People who binge drink (drink heavily over a short
period of time) are more likely to behave recklessly
and are at greater risk of being in an accident.
Long-term
Persistent alcohol misuse increases your risk of
serious health conditions, including:
heart disease
stroke
liver disease
liver cancer
bowel cancer
mouth cancer
breast cancer
pancreatitis
If someone loses control over their drinking and
has an excessive desire to drink, it’s known as
dependent drinking (alcoholism). Dependent
drinking usually affects a person’s quality of life
and relationships, but they may not always find it
easy to see or accept this.
Severely dependent drinkers are often able to
tolerate very high levels of alcohol in amounts that
4
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would dangerously affect or even kill some people.
A dependent drinker usually experiences physical
and psychological withdrawal symptoms if they
suddenly cut down or stop drinking, including:
hand tremors – “the shakes”
sweating
seeing things that aren’t real
(visual hallucinations)
depression
anxiety
difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
This often leads to “relief drinking” to avoid
withdrawal symptoms.
Realising you have a problem
with alcohol
This is the first big step to getting help. You may
need help if:
you feel you should cut down on your drinking
you often feel the need to have a drink
you need a drink first thing in the morning to
steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover
other people have been criticising or warning
you about how much you’re drinking
you get into trouble because of your drinking
you think your drinking is causing you problems
you feel guilty or bad about your drinking
Someone you know may be
misusing alcohol if:
they regularly exceed the lower-risk daily limit
for alcohol
they’re sometimes unable to remember
what happened the night before because of
their drinking
they fail to do what was expected of them as a
result of their drinking – for example, missing
an appointment or work because of being drunk
or hungover
Getting help with treating
alcohol misuse
If you’re concerned about your drinking or
someone else’s, a good place to start is with your
GP. Try to be accurate and honest about how much
you drink and any problems it may be causing you.
Your level of alcohol intake may be assessed using
various tests and this will determine your type of
treatment. They’ll be able to discuss the services
and treatments available. Initially your alcohol
intake may be assessed using tests, such as the:
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test –
a widely used screening test that can help
determine whether you need to change your
drinking habits
Fast Alcohol Screening Test – a simpler test
to check whether your drinking has reached
dangerous levels
Treating alcohol misuse
Treatment options include counselling,
medication and detoxification. Detoxification
involves a nurse or doctor supporting you to
safely stop drinking; this can be done by helping
you slowly cut down over time or by giving you
medicines to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
A dependent drinker usually experiences physical
and psychological withdrawal symptoms if they
suddenly cut down or stop drinking, including
anxiety after waking, sweating, nausea and
vomiting, hallucinations, seizures or fits, hand
tremors, depression and insomnia. This often leads
to “relief drinking” to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
To stop drinking instantly could be harmful and you
should take advice from your GP to do this safely.
Cutting down or stopping drinking is usually just
the beginning, & most people will need some
degree of help or some long term plan to stay in
control or to stay completely alcohol-free. Getting
the right support can be crucial to maintaining
control in the future. Only relying on family, friends
or carers for this is often not enough.
Some people with medium or high levels of alcohol
dependence may need intensive rehabilitation
& recovery support for a period after they stop
drinking completely; either through a programme
of intensive support in their local community or by
a residential rehabilitation service. This may be in
an NHS inpatient unit, or in a medically-supported
residential service, depending on your situation and
the assessed medical need.
Further help for alcohol abuse
As well as the NHS, there are a number of charities
and support groups across the UK that provide
support and advice for people with an alcohol
misuse problem. Helpful contacts for Alcohol
Addiction can be found on our Mental Health
Glossary on pages 14 and 15.
www.mhap.co.uk 5

Drug Addiction
If you need treatment for drug addiction, you’re
entitled to NHS care in the same way as anyone
else who has a health problem. With the right help
and support, it’s possible for you to get drug free
and stay that way.
Where to get help for drugs:
Your GP is a good place to start. They can
discuss your problems with you and get you into
treatment. They may offer you treatment at the
practice or refer you to your local drug service.
If you’re not comfortable talking to your GP, you
can approach your local drug treatment service
yourself. Visit the Frank website to find local drug
treatment services or call the Frank drugs helpline
on 0300 123 6600. They can talk you through all
your options.
Charity and private drugs treatment - as well
as the NHS, there are charities and private drug
and alcohol treatment organisations that can
help you. Visit the Adfam website to see a list
of useful organisations. Private drug treatment
can be very expensive but sometimes people get
referrals through their local NHS.
Your first appointment:
At your first appointment for drug treatment,
staff will ask you about your drug use. They will
also ask about your work, family and housing
situation. You may be asked to provide a sample
of urine or saliva.
Staff will talk you through all of your treatment
options and agree a treatment plan with you.
They can tell you about local support groups for
drug users and their families or carers. You’ll
also be given a keyworker who will support you
throughout your treatment.
What drug treatment involves:
This depends on your personal circumstances
and also what you’re addicted to. Your keyworker
will work with you to plan the right treatment for
you. Your treatment may include:
Talking therapies – talking therapies, such as
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), help you
to see how your thoughts and feelings affect
your behaviour.
Treatment with medicines – if you are
dependent on heroin or another opioid drug,
you may be offered a substitute drug, such as
methadone. This means you can get on with
your treatment without having to worry about
withdrawing or buying street drugs.
Detoxification (detox) – this is for people
who want to stop taking opioid drugs like
heroin completely. It helps you to cope with the
withdrawal symptoms.
Self-help – some people find support
groups like Narcotics Anonymous helpful.
Your keyworker can tell you where your
nearest group is.
Reducing harm – your drugs workers will help
you reduce the risks associated with your
drug-taking. You may be offered testing and
treatment for hepatitis or HIV, for example.
Where will you have
your treatment?
You may have your treatment while living at
home or as a hospital inpatient. If your drugrelated
problems are severe or complicated you
may be referred to a residential rehab. For more
information about residential rehab, or to find a
rehab near you, visit rehabonline.
Other contacts for help with Drug Addiction
can be found on our Mental Health Glossary on
pages 14 and 15.
6
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Gambling
Addiction
Being a compulsive gambler can harm your health
and relationships, and leave you in serious debt. If
you have a problem with gambling and you’d like to
stop, support and treatment is available.
Are you a problem gambler?
Try this questionnaire:
Do you bet more than you can afford to lose?
Do you need to gamble with larger amounts of
money to get the same feeling?
Have you tried to win back money you have lost
(chasing losses)?
Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get
money to gamble?
Have you wondered whether you have a problem
with gambling?
Has your gambling caused you any health
problems, including feelings of stress or anxiety?
Have other people criticised your betting or told
you that you had a gambling?
Has your gambling caused any financial problems
for you or your household?
Have you ever felt guilty about the way you
gamble or what happens when you gamble?
For each time you answer
Score 0 “never”
Score 1 “sometimes”
Score 2 “most of the time”
Score 3 “almost always”
If your total score is 8 or higher, you may be a
problem gambler.
Help for problem gamblers
and for friends and family affected by someone
else’s gambling problem
There’s evidence that gambling can be successfully
treated in the same way as other addictions.
Cognitive behavioural therapy usually has the best
results. Treatment and support groups are available
for people who want to stop gambling:
Gamcare - offers free information, support and
counselling for problem gamblers in the UK and
also for partners, friends and family of people who
gamble compulsively. It runs the National Gambling
Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-toface
counselling. If you’re having problems because
of another person’s gambling, it’s best to be honest
with them about it. They need to know how their
behaviour is affecting you.
National Problem Gambling Clinic - If you live in
England or Wales, are aged 16 or over and have
complex problems related to gambling, you can
refer yourself to this specialist NHS clinic for
problem gamblers.
Gamblers Anonymous UK - Gamblers Anonymous
UK runs local support groups that use the same
12-step approach to recovery from addiction as
Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also GamAnon
support groups for friends and family affected by
someone else’s gambling problem.
Self-help tips for
problem gamblers
Do:
pay important bills, such as your mortgage, on
payday before you gamble
spend more time with family and friends who
don’t gamble
deal with your debts rather than ignoring them
– visit the National Debtline for tips
Don’t:
view gambling as a way to make money
– try to see it as entertainment instead
bottle up your worries about your gambling
– talk to someone
take credit cards with you when you go gambling
Other contacts for help with Gambling Addiction can
be found on our Mental Health Glossary on pages
14 and 15.
8
to advertise in the next issue of Mental Health Awareness call: 01375 402 546

Solent Mind -
who are we?
We’re Solent Mind, the leading mental health
charity across Hampshire. We’re here to
make sure anyone with a mental health
problem has somewhere to turn to for advice
and support. We won’t give up until everyone
experiencing a mental health issue has
support and respect
Our Services
Solent Mind runs many different services
across Hampshire, Southampton and
Portsmouth. We work in different locations
and in a range of ways, whether supporting
people within their local communities
or within hospital settings. We work
across different age groups, with diverse
communities, with individuals and groups.
Our Mission
To provide advice and support to empower
anyone experiencing a mental health
problem. We campaign to improve services,
raise awareness and promote understanding.
Get Support
We can help you with support, advice and
signposting for some of the issues which
can become a struggle when we’re coping
with mental health problems. We hope that
everything we do helps to give you the skills
and tools to maintain your own wellbeing in
to the future.
Improve your wellbeing
Our Wellbeing Centres are friendly places
where you can join in a wide range of groups,
share experiences, get support and learn
techniques to improve and maintain your
wellbeing. Our peer support groups give
you the chance to meet with other people
who’ve experienced mental health issues and
understand what you’re going through.
Solent Mind, T: 023 8202 7810
15-16 The Avenue, F: 023 8202 7811
Southampton,
SO17 1XF.
E: info@solentmind.org.uk
W: www.solentmind.org.uk
Charity Registered No: 1081116
www.mhap.co.uk 9

About Dementia
As you get older, you may find that memory loss
becomes a problem. It’s normal for your memory
to be affected by stress, tiredness, or certain
illnesses and medications. This can be annoying
if it happens occasionally, but if you’re becoming
increasingly forgetful, particularly if you’re over
the age of 65 and it’s affecting your daily life or
is worrying you or someone you know, it may be
a good idea to talk to your GP about the early
signs of dementia.
What is dementia?
Dementia isn’t a single disease, but is a syndrome
(a group of related symptoms) associated with
an ongoing decline of brain functioning. Several
different diseases can cause dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common
type of dementia and, together with vascular
dementia, makes up the vast majority of
cases. Because both vascular dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease are common – especially
in older people – they may be present together.
This is often called mixed dementia because a
mix of these two conditions is thought to be the
cause of the dementia.
Many of these diseases are associated with an
abnormal build-up of proteins in the brain. This
build-up causes nerve cells to function less
well and ultimately die. As the nerve cells die,
different areas of the brain shrink.
Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood
flow to the brain. Nerve cells in the brain need
oxygen and nutrients from blood to survive. When
the blood supply to the brain is reduced, the nerve
cells function less well and eventually die.
There are many rarer diseases and conditions
that can lead to dementia, or dementia-like
symptoms. These conditions account for only
5% of dementia cases in the UK.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) isn’t a cause
of dementia. It refers to a condition in which
someone has minor problems with cognition,
or their memory and thinking, such as memory
loss, difficulty concentrating and problems with
planning and reasoning. These symptoms aren’t
severe enough to cause problems in everyday
life, so aren’t defined as dementia.
How common is dementia?
According to the Alzheimer’s Society there are
around 850,000 people in the UK with dementia.
One in 14 people over 65 will develop dementia,
and the condition affects 1 in 6 people over 80.
The number of people with dementia is increasing
because people are living longer. It is estimated
that by 2025, the number of people with dementia
in the UK will have increased to around 1 million.
Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia is not a natural part of the ageing
process and you need to be aware of the
symptoms of dementia, which tend to worsen
with time and can affect the way you speak, think,
feel and behave.
People with dementia can become apathetic
or uninterested in their usual activities, or may
have problems controlling their emotions. They
may also find social situations challenging
and lose interest in socialising. Aspects of
their personality may change. A person with
dementia may lose empathy (understanding and
compassion), they may see or hear things that
other people do not (hallucinations).
Because people with dementia may lose the
ability to remember events or fully understand
their environment or situations, it can seem
as if they’re not telling the truth, or are wilfully
ignoring problems.
As dementia affects a person’s mental abilities,
they may find planning and organising difficult.
10
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as completing a thorough assessment. A GP, or a
doctor specialising in memory problems, will run
a series of tests and assessments to see if there
is an alternative explanation for the problems. The
doctor will also want to discuss how the problems
being experienced have developed over time.
Maintaining their independence may also become
a problem. A person with dementia will therefore
usually need help from friends or relatives,
including help with decision making.
Although dementia isn’t just about memory loss,
it’s one of the key symptoms. Others include:
increasing difficulty with daily tasks and
activities that require concentration and planning
changes in personality and mood
understanding - periods of mental confusion
language - difficulty finding the right words or
not being able to understand conversations
as easily
memory loss, thinking speed and
mental sharpness
judgement
movement
Why is it important to
get a diagnosis?
Although there is no cure for dementia at
present, if it’s diagnosed in the early stages,
there are ways you can slow it down and
maintain mental function.
A diagnosis can help people with dementia get
the right treatment and support, and help those
close to them to prepare and plan for the future.
With treatment and support, many people are able
to lead active, fulfilled lives.
Dementia is diagnosed by doctors ruling out other
conditions that could cause the symptoms, as well
How to talk to someone you
think has signs of dementia
Raising the issue of memory loss and the
possibility of dementia can be a difficult thing
to do. Someone who is experiencing these
symptoms may be confused, unaware they have
any problems, worried or in denial.
Before starting a conversation with someone you’re
concerned about, the Alzheimer’s Society suggests
that you ask yourself the following questions:
have they noticed the symptoms?
do they think their problems are just a natural
part of ageing?
are they scared about what the changes
could mean?
are you the best person to talk to them about
memory problems?
do they think there won’t be any point in
seeking help?
When you do talk to them, choose a place that is
familiar and non-threatening. And allow plenty of
time so the conversation isn’t rushed.
You may like to suggest that you accompany
your friend or relative to the GP so you can
support them. This also means that after
the appointment, you can help your friend or
relative recall what has been discussed.
If the diagnosis is dementia
A dementia diagnosis can come as a shock,
but over time some people come to view it in a
positive way. This is because a diagnosis is the
first step towards getting the information, help
and support needed to manage the symptoms.
A diagnosis of dementia can help people with
these symptoms, and their families and friends,
take control, make plans and prepare for the future.
Further help and information
Other contacts for help with Dementia can be found
on our Mental Health Glossary on pages 14 and 15.
www.mhap.co.uk 11

Uplands Independent Mental Health Rehabilitation Hospital
is part of the CareTech Community Services Specialist Services and has gone
through a £1M major redevelopment which started on 2nd January 2018 and
finished in February 2019. Uplands is part of the CareTech Mental Health Pathway
and provides mental health recovery and rehabilitation with those who have
challenging and complex mental health needs for service users that are informal or
detained under the Mental Health Act.
Uplands has a new model of care and pathway, with a new lockable High
Dependency Unit (HDU) which officially opened in November 2018 and a Complex
Care Unit (CCU) which also includes 4 self-contained hospital campus based flats.
Bedrooms have been upgraded with ensuite bedrooms, fixtures and fittings are
designed to minimise or remove ligature risk e.g. door handles, bedroom furniture.
There are new updated kitchens in each of the units whereby service users can be
supported to cook, laundry facilities, lounge/dining area, female lounge, clinical
treatment rooms, soothing sensory rooms, visitors and multi-faith room and a
therapy room which one of the service user’s named as the “multi-purpose and
learning suite”.
The team work closely to achieve and maintain the mental and physical wellbeing of
each of the service users, helping them to achieve their goals and giving them hope
as part of their recovery.
Office: 01329 221817 / Fax: 01329 221804
61 Park Lane Fareham Hampshire PO16 7HH
www.uplandsindependenthospital.co.uk
12
Uplands MHAP Ad 2019.indd 1 27/09/2019 11:27
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A Summary of Contact Numbers
and Information for Selected Mental Health Disorders
Specialised Area
Mental Health
General Addictions
Alcohol Misuse
Drugs /
Substance Abuse
Gambling
Smoking Dependency
Dementia
Anxiety Disorders &
Social Anxiety Disorder
Contact Details
SANE - emotional support, information & guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families
& carers. SANEline: 0300 304 7000 www.sane.org.uk/support
Mind - 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm) www.mind.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness - support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm) www.rethink.org
Mental Health Foundation - provides information & support for anyone with mental health problems
or learning disabilities. www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Young Minds - information on child & adolescent mental health. Parents helpline 0808 802 5544
www.youngminds.org.uk (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)
The Samaritans - confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline). www.samaritans.org.uk
NHS Choices – www.nhs.uk/conditions/online-mental-health-services
Information on online mental health services.
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy – 01455 883 300 www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk
Adfam - a national charity working with families affected by drugs & alcohol.
Has a database of local support groups. www.adfam.org.uk
Rehab 4 Addiction - free helpline dedicated to assisting those suffering from drug, alcohol and mental
health problems. Tel: 0800 140 4690 www.rehab4addiction.co.uk
Addaction - a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families & communities manage
the effects of drug and alcohol misuse. www.addaction.org.uk
Drinkline - the national alcohol helpline. Free & confidential 0300 123 1110
Alcoholics Anonymous - 0845 769 7555 (24 hr) www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Al-Anon Family Groups - offers support to the families & friends of problem drinkers.
Helpline 0207 403 0888. www.al-anonuk.org.uk
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics - for children of alcohol-dependent parents and others
concerned about their welfare. Free confidential helpline 0800 358 3456. www.nacoa.org.uk
FRANK drugs helpline 0300 123 6600
Narcotics Anonymous - 0300 999 1212 (daily until midnight) www.ukna.org
GamCare – the National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 - offers free information, support and
counselling for problem gamblers in the UK.
Gamblers Anonymous - runs local support groups www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
GamAnon - support groups for friends and family. www.gamanon.org.uk
NHS Smokefree - helpline on 0300 123 1044
There is also support available from your local stop smoking service.
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Stop-smoking-services/LocationSearch/1846
National Dementia - helpline 0300 222 1122
Alzheimer's Society - helpline 0300 222 1122 www.alzheimers.org.uk
Alzheimer's Research UK - 0300 111 5 111 www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
Dementia UK - to talk to an Admiral Nurse, who are registered nurses & experts in dementia care,
call 0800 888 6678 www.dementiauk.org
The Carers Trust - if you are looking after someone with dementia, get help & support & even a break
from caring. www.carers.org
Anxiety UK - Phone: 03444 775 774 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm) www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Anxiety Care UK – www.anxietycare.org.uk
14
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Panic Disorder
Phobias
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Postnatal Depression
Psychotic Depression /
Episodes / Confusion
(Sudden Delirium)
Seasonal Affective
Disorder
No More Panic – www.nomorepanic.co.uk
No Panic – www.nopanic.org.uk / helpline: 08449 674848 (10.00am – 10.00pm)
Triumph Over Phobia – www.topuk.org
Depression Alliance - for sufferers of depression. www.depressionalliance.org
Bipolar UK - www.bipolaruk.org.uk
The Association for Post Natal Illness - 0207 386 0868 www.apni.org
Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support - 0843 2898401
www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
If you think the person's symptoms are placing them or others at possible risk of harm you can
take them to your nearest A&E department, call their GP or local out-of-hours GP or call 999 to ask
for an ambulance.
SAD Association - www.sada.org.uk
Beat - Phone: 0808 801 0677 (adults) or 0808 801 0711 (for under-18s)
Eating Disorders
Website: www.b-eat.co.uk (Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder & Bulimia).
Body Dysmorphic
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation – www.bddfoundation.org
Disorder
Respect – 0808 802 4040 www.respect.uk.net
Anger
National Domestic Abuse - helpline – 0808 2000 247
Refuge – www.refuge.org.uk
Autism Spectrum
The National Autistic Society - Autism Helpline 0808 800 4104 www.autism.org.uk
Disorder
Dissociative Disorders MIND - www.mind.org.uk has a list if useful contacts
Cruse Bereavement Care - Phone: 0844 477 9400 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Grief / Bereavement www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Hoarding Disorder www.ocduk.org – 0845 120 3778
Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder
Paranoia
Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder
Premenstrual
Dysphoric Disorder
Sexual Abuse
Self-Harm
Stress
Suicide / Suicidal
Feelings
OCD Action - support for people with OCD related disorders.
Phone: 0845 390 6232 Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm)
National Paranoia Network – 0114 271 8210 www.nationalparanoianetwork.org
ASSIST trauma care – helpline 0178 856 0800 www.assisttraumacare.org.uk
Combat Stress – helpline 0800 1381 619 www.combatstress.org.uk
PTSD Resolution – 0300 302 0551 www.ptsdresolution.org
National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome – www.pms.org.uk
The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)
0808 801 0331 (freephone, Monday–Thursday 10am–9pm and Friday 10am–6pm) www.napac.org.uk
HAVOCA (Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse) www.havoca.org
Lifecentre - helpline: 0808 802 0808 www.lifecentre.uk.com
Harmless – email info@harmless.org.uk
Men's Health Forum - 24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.
Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk
PAPYRUS - Young suicide prevention society. HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141
(Mon-Fri,10am-5pm & 7-10pm. Weekends 2-5pm) www.papyrus-uk.org
Childline – for children and young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 – the number won’t show up on your phone bill
CALM - the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15-35. www.thecalmzone.net
The Silver Line – for older people Call 0800 4 70 80 90
www.mhap.co.uk 15

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Depression
Overview
Depression is more than simply feeling
unhappy or fed up for a few days. Most people
go through periods of feeling down, but when
you’re depressed you feel persistently sad for
weeks or months, rather than just a few days.
Some people think depression is trivial and not
a genuine health condition. They’re wrong – it
is a real illness with real symptoms. Depression
isn’t a sign of weakness or something you can
“snap out of” by “pulling yourself together”. The
good news is that with the right treatment and
support, most people with depression can
make a full recovery.
Symptoms
Depression affects people in different ways and
can cause a wide variety of symptoms. But as
a general rule, if you’re depressed, you feel sad,
hopeless, anxious, tearful and lose interest in
things you used to enjoy. There can be physical
symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired,
sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive,
and various aches and pains. The symptoms
of depression may persist for weeks or months
and are bad enough to interfere with your work,
social life and family life. There are many other
symptoms of depression and you’re unlikely to
have all of those listed below.
Psychological symptoms:
continuous low mood or sadness / feeling
hopeless and helpless / having low self-esteem
feeling tearful / feeling anxious or worried
feeling irritable and intolerant of others /
feeling guilt-ridden
having no motivation or interest in things
/ not getting any enjoyment out of life
finding it difficult to make decisions
having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of
harming yourself
Physical symptoms:
moving or speaking more slowly than usual
changes in appetite or weight (usually
decreased, but sometimes increased) /
constipation
unexplained aches and pains
lack of energy / low sex drive (loss of libido) /
changes to your menstrual cycle
disturbed sleep / finding it difficult to fall asleep
at night / waking up very early in the morning
Social symptoms:
not doing well at work
avoiding contact with friends and taking part in
fewer social activities
neglecting your hobbies and interests
having difficulties in your home and family life
Severities of depression
Doctors categorize the symptoms of depression
from mild to severe:
mild depression – has some impact on your
daily life and you may simply feel persistently
low in spirit
moderate depression – has a significant impact
on your daily life
severe depression – makes it almost
impossible to get through daily life; a few people
with severe depression may have psychotic
symptoms and it can make you feel suicidal
and that life is no longer worth living.
How to tell if you have
depression and when
to see a doctor
Most people experience feelings of stress,
unhappiness or anxiety during difficult times.
A low mood may improve after a short period
of time, rather than being a sign of depression.
However, it’s important to seek help from your
www.mhap.co.uk 17

GP if you think you may be depressed. Don’t wait
before seeking help for depression, the sooner
you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the
way to recovery.
Depression can often come on gradually, so it
can be difficult to notice something is wrong.
Many people try to cope with their symptoms
without realising they’re unwell. It can
sometimes take a friend or family member to
suggest something is wrong.
What causes depression?
Depression is fairly common, affecting about 1 in
10 people at some point during their life. It affects
men and women, young and old. Studies have
shown that about 4% of children aged five to 16 in
the UK are anxious or depressed.
Sometimes there’s a trigger for depression. Lifechanging
events, such as bereavement, losing your
job or even having a baby, can bring it on. People
with a family history of depression are more likely
to experience it themselves. But you can also
become depressed for no obvious reason.
Grief - it can be difficult to distinguish between
grief and depression. They share many of the
same characteristics, but there are important
differences between them. Grief is an entirely
natural response to a loss, while depression is an
illness. People who are grieving find their feelings
of sadness and loss come and go, but they’re
still able to enjoy things and look forward to the
future. In contrast, people who are depressed
constantly feel sad. They don’t enjoy anything
and find it difficult to be positive about the future.
Postnatal Depression – some women
develop depression after they have a baby
and it’s treated in a similar way to other types
of depression, with talking therapies and
antidepressant medicines.
Bipolar Disorder (also known as manic
depression) - there are spells of both
depression and excessively high mood (mania);
the depression symptoms are similar to clinical
depression, but the bouts of mania can include
harmful behaviour, such as gambling, going on
spending sprees and having unsafe sex.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – also
known as “winter depression”, SAD is a type
of depression with a seasonal pattern usually
related to winter.
Treating depression
Treatment for depression can involve a
combination of lifestyle changes, talking
therapies and medication. Your recommended
treatment will be based on whether you have
mild, moderate or severe depression.
If you have mild depression, your doctor may
suggest waiting to see whether it improves on
its own, while monitoring your progress. This
is known as “watchful waiting”. They may also
suggest lifestyle measures such as exercise
and self-help groups. Talking therapies, such as
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are often
used for mild depression that isn’t improving or
moderate depression. Antidepressants are also
sometimes prescribed.
For moderate to severe depression, a combination
of talking therapy and antidepressants is often
recommended. If you have severe depression, you
may be referred to a specialist mental health team
for intensive specialist talking treatments and
prescribed medication.
Living with depression
Many people with depression benefit by making
lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise,
cutting down on alcohol, giving up smoking and
eating healthily. Reading a self-help book or
joining a support group are also worthwhile. They
can help you gain a better understanding about
what causes you to feel depressed. Sharing your
experiences with others in a similar situation can
also be very supportive.
Further Help and Information
Other contacts for help with Depression can be
found on our Mental Health Glossary on pages
14 and 15.
18
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Home visits & telephone counselling also available.
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Post Natal
Depression
Postnatal depression is a type of depression that
many parents experience after having a baby.
It’s a common problem, affecting more than 1 in
every 10 women and up to 1 in 25 new fathers
within a year of giving birth.
Many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious
in the first week after giving birth. Having a baby
is a life-changing event and it often takes time to
adapt to becoming a new parent. Looking after a
small baby can be stressful and exhausting. This
is often called the “baby blues” and is so common
that it’s considered normal.
Unlike the “baby blues”, which generally do
not last more than 2 weeks after giving birth,
postnatal depression can start any time in the
first year after giving birth. It’s important to seek
help as soon as possible if you think you might be
depressed, as your symptoms could last months
or get worse and have a significant impact on you,
your baby and your family. With the right support
most women make a full recovery.
Symptoms
There is no evidence that there’s anything
specific you can do to prevent the condition
developing, apart from maintaining a healthy
lifestyle. However, if you or your family have a
history of depression or mental health problems
earlier in life or during and after pregnancy, tell
your GP if you’re pregnant or thinking of having
a baby. If you have had a mental health problem
while pregnant, your doctor should arrange for
you to be seen regularly in the first few weeks
after birth. Signs that you or someone you know
might be depressed include:
a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
/ lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the
wider world
lack of energy and feeling tired all the time /
trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy
during the day
difficulty bonding with your baby
withdrawing from contact with other people
problems concentrating and making decisions
frightening thoughts – for example, about
hurting your baby
Getting help for
postnatal depression
Speak to your GP or health visitor if you think you
may be depressed. Many health visitors have been
trained to recognise postnatal depression and
have techniques that can help. If they can’t help,
they’ll know someone in your area who can. Don’t
struggle alone hoping that the problem will go
away. Remember that:
a range of help and support is available,
including therapy
depression is an illness like any other / it’s
not your fault you’re depressed – it can happen
to anyone
being depressed doesn’t mean you’re a bad
parent / it doesn’t mean you’re going mad
your baby won’t be taken away from you
– babies are only taken into care in very
exceptional circumstances
Treatments
Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and
frightening, but support and effective treatments
are available. These include self-help such as
talking to your family and friends about your
feelings and what they can do to help; making
time for yourself to do things you enjoy; resting
whenever you get the chance and getting as much
sleep as you can at night; exercising regularly;
eating a healthy diet. Psychological therapy and
antidepressants may also be prescribed..
Local and national organisations, such as the
Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI) and Pre
and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support
(PANDAS), can also be useful sources of help and
advice – see pages 14 &15..
20
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Anxiety /
Panic Attacks
Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all
experience, such as in the run up to exams or a
job interview. But when anxiety becomes much
more severe this feeling can take over and begin
to interfere with everyday life. Conditions under
the anxiety disorder umbrella include: social
anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD),
panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD), phobias, and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD).
For people with an anxiety disorder, feelings like
stress, panic and worry are longer lasting, more
extreme and far harder to control. Anxiety can
stop people living the life they want – whether
that means not being able to work, see friends or,
in the most severe cases, even leave the house.
As with many mental health conditions, the exact
cause of panic disorder isn’t fully understood.
But it’s thought the condition is probably linked
to a combination of things, including a traumatic
or very stressful life experience, such as
bereavement, having a close family member with
the disorder or an imbalance of neurotransmitters
(chemical messengers) in the brain.
Symptoms
Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and
panic at certain times. It’s a natural response
to stressful or dangerous situations. But for
someone with panic disorder, feelings of anxiety,
stress, panic or fear occur regularly and at any
time, often for no apparent reason. You may
start to avoid certain situations because you fear
that they will trigger another attack. This can
create a cycle of living “in fear of fear”. It can add
to your sense of panic and may cause you to
have more attacks.
A panic attack is when your body experiences a
rush of intense mental and physical symptoms.
It can come on very quickly and for no apparent
reason and can be very frightening and
distressing. Symptoms may include a racing
heartbeat, feeling faint, sweating, nausea, chest
pain, shortness of breath, trembling, hot flushes,
chills, shaky limbs and, a choking sensation.
Most panic attacks last for between 5 and 20
minutes, but may last up to an hour. The number
of attacks you have will depend on how severe
your condition is, sometimes once or twice a
month, while others have them several times a
week. Although panic attacks are frightening,
they’re not dangerous. An attack won’t cause you
any physical harm, and it’s unlikely that you’ll be
admitted to hospital if you have one.
Treatments for
panic disorder
Panic disorder is treatable and you can make
a full recovery. If you’ve been experiencing
symptoms of panic disorder visit your GP. They’ll
ask you to describe your symptoms, how often
they occur and how long you’ve had them. They
may also carry out a physical examination to
rule out other conditions that could be causing
your symptoms. If you don’t get medical help,
panic disorder can escalate and become very
difficult to cope with. You’re more at risk of
developing other mental health conditions, such
as agoraphobia or other phobias, or an alcohol
or drug problem.
Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic
attacks you have and ease your symptoms,
using one or a combination of Psychological
therapy (based on cognitive behavioural therapy)
and medication. If your symptoms don’t improve
after CBT, medication and connecting with
a support group, your GP may refer you to a
mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist
or clinical psychologist.
22
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Phobias
A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear
of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal
and they are the most common type of anxiety
disorder. They can affect anyone, regardless of
age, sex and social background. Phobias are more
pronounced than fears. They develop when a
person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense
of danger about a situation or object. If a phobia
becomes very severe, a person may organise their
life around avoiding the thing that’s causing them
anxiety. As well as restricting their day-to-day life,
it can also cause a lot of distress..
Symptoms
A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. You may
not experience any symptoms until you come into
contact with the source of your phobia. However,
in some cases, even thinking about the source
of a phobia can make a person feel anxious or
panicky. This is known as anticipatory anxiety.
Symptoms may include:
unsteadiness, dizziness and light-headedness,
nausea,
sweating,
increased heart rate or palpitations,
shortness of breath,
trembling or shaking
an upset stomach.
Types of phobia
There are a wide variety of objects or situations
that someone could develop a phobia about.
However, phobias can be divided into two
main categories:
Specific or simple phobias - centre around a
particular object, animal, situation or activity. They
often develop during childhood or adolescence
and may become less severe as you get older.
Common examples of simple phobias include:
animal phobias – such as dogs, spiders,
snakes or rodents
environmental phobias – such as heights,
deep water and germs
situational phobias – such as visiting the
dentist or flying
bodily phobias – such as blood, vomit or
having injections
sexual phobias – such as performance
anxiety or the fear of getting a sexually
transmitted infection
Complex phobias - tend to be more disabling
than simple phobias. They tend to develop during
adulthood and are often associated with a deeprooted
fear or anxiety about a particular situation
or circumstance. The two most common complex
phobias are:
Agoraphobia – a sufferer will feel anxious about
being in a place or situation where escaping
may be difficult if they have a panic attack.
Social phobia (also known as social anxiety
disorder) - centres around feeling anxious in
social situations.
Causes
Phobias don’t have a single cause, but there are a
number of associated factors. For example:
it may be associated with a particular incident
or trauma,
it may be a response that a person develops
early in life from another family member or
genetics may play a role – there’s evidence
to suggest that some people are born with a
tendency to be more anxious than others.
Treating phobias
Almost all phobias can be successfully treated
and cured. If you have a phobia, you should
seek help from your GP. Simple phobias can
be treated through gradual exposure to the
object, animal, place or situation that causes
fear and anxiety ( known as desensitisation or
self-exposure therapy). Other contacts for help
with Phobias can be found on our Mental Health
Glossary on pages 14 and 15.
www.mhap.co.uk 23

Eating Disorders
An eating disorder is when a person’s relationship
with food becomes abnormal, forcing them to change
their eating habits and behaviours. It can involve
eating too much or too little, or becoming obsessed
with your weight and body shape. It can take over
your life and make you ill. Men and women of any age
can get an eating disorder, but they most commonly
affect young women aged 13 to 17 years old.
Eating problems can disrupt how a person eats
food and absorbs nutrients, which affects physical
health, but can also be detrimental both emotionally
and socially. Eating disorders often occur alongside
other mental health conditions, such as anxiety,
depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder and substance misuse disorders.
Types of eating disorders
Anorexia Nervosa – keeping your weight as low
as possible by restricted food intake and/or
excessive exercise
Bulimia Nervosa – binge eating followed
by deliberate purging (deliberately sick, use
laxatives) to restrict what you eat, or do too much
exercise to try to stop yourself gaining weight
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) – episodes of
overeating in a short space of time until you
feel uncomfortably full, and are then often
upset or guilty
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder
(OSFED) - when your symptoms don’t exactly
match those of anorexia, bulimia or binge
eating disorder.
Symptoms of eating
disorders include:
dramatic weight loss /spending a lot of time
worrying about your weight and body shape
avoiding socialising when you think food will be
involved
eating very little food / eating a lot of food very
fast / cutting food into small pieces or eating
very slowly
deliberately making yourself sick or taking
laxatives after you eat
wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide
weight loss
exercising excessively or obsessively exercising
lying about how much and when they’ve eaten,
or how much they weigh
having very strict habits or routines around food
changes in your mood
You may also notice physical signs including
feeling cold, tired or dizzy, problems with your
digestion, your weight being very high or very
low for someone of your age and height and not
getting your period for women and girls.
What causes eating disorders?
There is no single reason why someone may
develop an eating disorder - it can be the result
of a combination of genetic, psychological,
environmental, social and biological factors.
Getting help for an
eating disorder
If you think you may have an eating disorder, even
if you aren’t sure, see your GP as soon as you can.
They’ll ask you questions about your eating habits
and how you’re feeling, and will check your overall
health and weight. If they think you may have an
eating disorder, they should refer you to an eating
disorder specialist or team of specialists.
You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from
eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult
helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on
0808 801 0711.
Treatment for eating disorders
While they can be very serious mental health
conditions they are also treatable and, although
it may take a long time, full recovery is possible.
Treatment normally consists of monitoring
a person’s physical health while addressing
the underlying psychological problems with
psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioural
therapy (CBT) or family therapy. Medication such as
a type of antidepressant may also be used.
24
to advertise in the next issue of Mental Health Awareness call: 01375 402 546

Patient Advice and Liaison
Service (PALS) at Queen
Alexandra Hospital
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust provides the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
at Queen Alexandra Hospital.
PALS is a support service which can help you with any questions or concerns you may
have about the care provided at the hospital. They can then liaise with the relevant
department or individual on your behalf to help answer your queries.
PALS is also here to offer ‘on-the-spot’ advice to visitors and provide information about
other organisations or groups that may be helpful.
The service is free, confidential and
provides impartial information,
advice and support.
@PortHosp | @QAHospitalNews | @QAPatExp
Contact us:
Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
• Freephone: 0800 917 6039
• Email: PHT.PALS@porthosp.nhs.uk
• Or you can visit us Monday to Friday
(10am to 3pm) at the Main Reception
in Queen Alexandra Hospital
The Trust is working towards a cleaner, healthier
environment for all our staff, patients and visitors.
We operate a smoke-free policy and wishes to advise all
visitors that smoking is not permitted anywhere on the
hospital grounds.
www.mhap.co.uk 25

Help for Suicidal
Thoughts
Suicide is when someone purposely ends their
own life. This section looks at why someone
might think about suicide and how you can
help them. People might think about suicide
for different reasons. There’s no right or wrong
way to talk about suicidal feelings – starting
the conversation is what’s important.
If you are worried that someone may be
thinking about suicide, talk to them. Ask them
about how they are feeling and offer to help.
Talking to someone about their suicidal
thoughts does not make them more likely to
end their life.
You can help someone who is feeling
suicidal by listening to them without judging
them and trying to help them think about
other options.
Helping someone with suicidal thoughts is
likely to have a big impact on you. Find out
what support is available to you. If someone
does try to end their life, this is not your fault.
If you’re feeling like you
want to die, it’s important
to tell someone
Help is available right now if you need it. You
don’t have to struggle with difficult feelings
alone. Talk to someone you trust. Let family
or friends know what’s going on. They may be
able to offer support and help keep you safe.
Alternatively, you could call your GP and ask
for an emergency appointment or call 111 out
of hours – they will help you find the support
and help you need. You could also contact
your mental health crisis team.
Important -
is your life in danger?
If you have seriously harmed yourself – for
example, by taking a drug overdose – call 999
for an ambulance or go straight to A&E or ask
someone else to call 999 or take you to A&E.
Phone a helpline
These free helplines are there to help when
you’re feeling down or desperate. Unless it
says otherwise, they’re open 24 hours a day,
every day.
Samaritans – for everyone
Call 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.org
Campaign Against Living Miserably
(CALM) – for men
Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight
every day
Visit the webchat page
Papyrus – for people under 35
Call 0800 068 41 41 – Mon to Friday 10am
to 10pm, weekends 2pm to 10pm
Text 07786 209697
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Childline – for children and
young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 – the number won’t show
up on your phone bill
The Silver Line – for older people
Call 0800 470 80 90
26
to advertise in the next issue of Mental Health Awareness call: 01375 402 546

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cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your provider for more details.
HAMPSHIRE
HYPNOTHERAPY
Hypnotherapy is a great way of dealing
with stress and anxiety.
As well as stop smoking and weight loss it can
be helpful with the bodies healing process.
DID YOU KNOW, HYPNOSIS
CAN ALSO BE A GREAT HELP
IN PAIN REDUCTION?
Hypnotherapy is a way of bypassing
the limitations of conscious thought.
Changing negative self-beief and
self-talk to focus on something
more supportive, can help with
your healing, both emotionally
and physically. So, speeding your
journey back to good health.
The Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate
Management are supporting this publication.
Our vision is to inspire future engineers to achieve
their full potential within the industry, and give them the
opportunity through our platform.
IHEEM is committed to the continual professional
development of Engineers of now and the future, and we
promote and encourage quality, diversity and inclusion
within the field of Engineering.
Failure is central to engineering. Successful engineering
is all about understanding how things break or fail.
T: 023 9282 3186 • E: office@iheem.org.uk • W: www.iheem.org.uk
Peter Bateman • 07737980517 • pete@hsoh.co.uk
www.hampshirehypnotherapist.co.uk
www.mhap.co.uk 27

Exercise and Mental Health
There are many reasons why physical activity is good
for your body – having a healthy heart and improving
your joints and bones are just two, but did you know
that physical activity is also beneficial for your
mental health and wellbeing?
Various studies suggest that exercise and physical activity
can help with depression and anxiety, stress management
and improving self-esteem. A study in the British Journal of
Psychiatry found that people who engage in regular
leisure-time activity of any intensity are less likely to have
symptoms of depression. This is because exercise releases
natural chemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine and
endorphins into the body which all help boost your mood.
Even just a few minutes of physical activity are better
than none. Start off with 15 – 30 minutes of exercise to
get you started, but if your body tells you to break after
5 – 10 minutes that’s OK too. The more you exercise the
more energy you will have and you will soon start
seeing the benefits.
Exercise may seem intimidating but don’t despair at Horizon
Leisure Centres there is a team of expert gym instructors
ready to help you get in to exercise and support you through
your journey to a happier and healthier you!
www.horizonlc.com Waterlooville Havant
Leisure Centre Leisure Centre
info@horizonlc.com 023 9224 5900 023 9247 60626
28
to advertise in the next issue of Mental Health Awareness call: 01375 402 546

Did you know
Did you know
1
1
in
in
6
6
people
people
in
in
employment
employment
experience
experience
a
a
mental
mental
health
health
problem?
problem?
1 in 6 people in employment experience a mental health problem?
We've
got got
you you covered
At Amour Recruitment we understand that a positive work culture is key to preventing mental health problems.
At Amour Recruitment we understand that a positive work culture is key to preventing mental health problems.
At Amour Recruitment we understand that a positive work culture is key to preventing mental health problems.
Every day we help to change people's lives by placing them into temporary and permanent roles across
Every Southern day we England help to and change Wales. people's lives by placing them into temporary and permanent roles across
Every Southern day we England help to and change Wales. people's lives by placing them into temporary and permanent roles across
Southern whether England you’ve and Wales. just left school, returning to work after having children, or have taken early retirement and want a
So worthwhile whether you’ve part-time just job, left school, we might returning be able to help. work after having children, or have taken early retirement and want a
So worthwhile whether you’ve part-time just job, left school, we might returning be able to to work help. after having children, or have taken early retirement and want a
worthwhile part-time job, we might be able to help.

Helping you lead a healthy, happy life
Helping you lead a healthy, happy life
It’s natural to worry about your safety and what might happen in case of an emergency.
At Centra our services help you remain independent, providing peace of mind for you
and your family.
It’s natural to worry about your safety and what might happen in case of an emergency.
It’s
At As Centra one natural of the to
our UK’s worry
services largest about
help teletech your safety
you remain providers, and what
independent, we might support happen
providing independent case of
peace of living an emergency.
mind both for you in and
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and out Centra of your the family. home our services for vulnerable, help you elderly remain and independent, physically providing less able peace individuals. of mind for you
and your family.
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out of the home for vulnerable, elderly and physically less able individuals.
When Using an the alert latest is technology, raised, call our will range connect of in-home through and to our GPS fully teletech trained devices and friendly are not a
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telecare last resort, team, but 24 a first hours port day, of call 365 to days help people year to live arrange the life the they help love. required. Our teams are
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Why
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use
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• Reduced cost telecare? of using technology.
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• Increased confidence to live independently and safely at home
To Faster find out response how we times can help to falls you please and accidents call us on
• Faster response times to falls and accidents
0300 Reduced 456 3548 cost or of visit care www.centragroup.org.uk/ifp
using technology.
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To find out how we can help you please call us on
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0300 #lifeisforliving
456 3548 or visit www.centragroup.org.uk/ifp
0300 456 3517 3548 or visit www.centragroup.org.uk/ifp
#lifeisforliving
#lifeisforliving
201 Centra Southend ad A5.indd 1 18/06/2019 10:20:57
201.06.19