Mental health
Did you know?
* One in four of us will have problems with our mental health and wellbeing at some time in our lives
* Northumberland Care Trust has two community health development workers who are here to help people from ethnic minorities to access mental health services
Whether its depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), one in four of us will have mental health issues at some time in our lives. Mental health problems are equally common in men and women, but the types of problems differ. Women are one-and-a-half times more likely to be affected by anxiety and depression, while men suffer more from substance abuse (one in eight men is dependent on alcohol) and antisocial personality disorders. Men are also more prone to suicide: 75% of suicides are men, mostly young men.
Serious mental health problems are also more common that you might think, with one in 100 people diagnosed with schizophrenia, and 630,000 people contacting specialist mental health services in England alone.
Getting help
If you're worried about your mental health, or if someone in your life is affected please contact your GP who will be able to get you the support you need. If it is outside normal working hours please contact your local GP out of hours services on 0845 60 80 320
For specialist mental health issues you can contact the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust which deals specifically with mental health and learning disabilities. Tel: 01670 512 121.
Support for black and minority ethnic communities
Northumberland Care Trust employs two community development workers who work with people from ethnic minorities to improve their access and experience of mental health services. If you would like to find out more about the community development workers please visit the health services section of this site.
Useful websites
NHS choices - provides information on a range of mental health issues
Mind mental health charity - promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. You can also call their infoline on 0845 766 0163
Samaratians - offer confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can call their 24 hour helpline on: 0845 7 90 90 90
Young minds - provide information on child and adolescent mental health services for parents and professionals.
Childline – confidential 24-hour helpline
There 4 Me – emotional support and advice for 12 -14 year olds
FRANK – confidential advice and information on drugs
Need 2 know - health information and advice, with specific sections for 11-14 year olds and 14-16 year olds
