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Treatments for
Mental Illness |
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What treatments can you
get for Mental Illness |
Yes, Mental illness can be treated. This means that many
people who have a mental illness, and are treated,
recover well or even completely. However, because there
are many different factors contributing to the
development of each illness, it can sometimes be
difficult to predict how, when, or to what degree
someone is going to get better |
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What does treatment really
mean |
Treatment
means all the different ways in which
someone with a mental illness can get help
to minimise the effects of the illness. It
can involve medication, individual therapy
and various supports in the community, as
well as people with the mental illness
helping themselves.
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Medication
Taking medication is the most decisive
thing a person with a mental illness can
do to fight back against the effects of
mental illness. Medical research shows
that many mental illnesses are
associated with changes in our brain
chemistry. Certain medications, assist
the brain to restore its usual chemical
balance, so that the symptoms are
reduced or even eliminated.
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Individual therapy
A doctor, psychologist or other health
professional talks with the person about
their symptoms, and discusses
alternative ways of thinking about and
coping with them.
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Community support
programs
Support programs are especially
important for people with recurrent
symptoms or who have a psychiatric
disability. This support may include
information; accommodation; help with
finding suitable work, training and
education; psychosocial rehabilitation
and mutual support groups. Understanding
and acceptance by the community is also
very important
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Where can you get treated |
These days, clinical treatment generally takes place in
the community rather than in a hospital. Anyone who has
been diagnosed with a mental illness which needs
treatment, should be able to receive a range of clinical
services in their own community. If necessary, ongoing
support can be provided by a community mental health
service clinic, where there are a range of mental health
professionals |
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Can you help yourself |
There are lots of things that people with a mental
illness can do for themselves, and help recover a
balanced life. Learning skills which help deal with
stress, feeling down, relationships or the symptoms of
the illness, are just a few of ways in which someone
with a mental illness can look after themselves |
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How can I find out more |
It is important that you discuss with your GP any
concerns you may have. You may also wish to contact:
- Newport Mind
- Princes Chambers
- 55 High Street
- Newport
01633
- 258741 |
