At some time in our lives one-in-four of us will be affected by mental illness.
Many people suffer with periods of anxiety or depression and some people might find these problems difficult to cope with. They might find the problems have no obvious cause that don't go away or get worse. In these situations, they may have a type of mental illness which can require professional help. Many people recover, but long-term problems can lead to considerable disruption in people's lives.
Mental illnesses can include:
- More commonly understood problems such as depression, anxiety or panic
- Less commonly understood conditions like Schizophrenia which interfere with a person's perceptions, and may include hallucinations such as seeing and hearing things
- Problems affecting the way we feel and behave such as eating disorders or personality disorders
Below is important information to get help from us. However, alternative or independent sources of mental health advice are available in the Advice & Support Contacts page. If you work in mental health services visit our Professional Directory.
If you, a friend or relative are experiencing mental health problems for the first time, you can contact your GP (family doctor) who will be able to offer support and if necessary refer you to a specific mental health service. If you are not registered with a doctor, visit the GP search on the NHS Choices website to find your local GP or contact NHS Direct which can put you in touch with one and also provide information or advice.
If you are experiencing depression or an anxiety problem (general anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobia or fear, obsessive compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress) visit the Psychological Therapies page for further information on support available.
For NHS Direct telephone 0845 46 47 or visit the NHS Direct Website.
If you, a friend or a relative have previously contacted us or NHS authorities contact the Bath & NE Somerset Social Services’ Community and Health Access Team who can provide you with an assessment and advice on what should be done next.
For Social Services’ Community and Health Access Team telephone 01225 396000 during office hours 8.00 am - 6.00 pm.
OR
The Emergency Duty Team on 01454 615165 for out of office hours.
If your difficulties are ongoing or particularly problematic then your GP may refer you to an Avon and Wiltshire Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) specialist mental health team who can offer an assessment and determine the best way forward. Referrals to this service cannot be made by an individual or carer independently and must be through the GP or other organisation such as Social Services or Housing. Services are provided for people of all ages.
If you wish to contact the Community Mental Health Team you can do so on the following numbers:
- Adults of working age in Bath telephone 01225 731631
- Adults of working age in North East Somerset telephone 01761 404410
- Older adults in Bath telephone 01225 831662
- Older adults in North East Somerset telephone 01761 396708
Mental health information in other languages