Category Archives: mental health
We need to address drinking problems in older age
Older people struggle with alcohol problems but despite the growing demographic, there is a big gap in services catering for them
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Tony Rao
- Guardian Professional,
There is a large gap in service provision for older people with alcohol problems. Old age psychiatry services in the UK are still only able to take on older people with dual diagnosis problems; those who have both substance misuse and an accompanying mental disorder such as depression, dementia or a psychotic disorder.
In theory there is no age limit for substance misuse services, but such services are often ill-equipped to manage the particular problems faced by older people. For example, they are also not generally able to deliver a home-based service, which is very often what is needed to serve the vast majority over 65s with an alcohol problem.
The last few years have seen new developments in alcohol services in the NHS and the voluntary sector. The voluntary sector has developed considerably, with service providers emerging in areas with high rates of alcohol-related morbidity and mortality.
Paul Burstow visits Samaritans for National Samaritan Awareness Day
Paul Burstow MP has praised the work of Samaritans who help Sutton residents in their darkest hour.
On Tuesday 24th July (24:7) Paul visited the Surbiton Samaritan branch – one of two branches which serve Sutton – to raise awareness of the vital work of the Samaritans.
The Samaritans is a nationwide charity that relies on volunteers to talk to distressed callers on the 24 hour helpline. The volunteers deal with cases that range from those wanting emotional support to callers on the verge of committing suicide.
Taking care of the Mind
“One in four people will suffer from a mental health problem at some time in their lives and yet they are worried about telling their employer.”
Bassetlaw Mind held their annual AGM at Worksop Cricket Club and also celebrating 35 years of Mind, pictured are staff and commitee members (w120710-1)
Celebrities admitting mental health problems are helping to break down the stigma associated with mental illness, say staff at Bassetlaw Mind.
But there is still some way to go, with 98 per cent of working people saying they would be worried about telling their boss if they were taking prescribed anti-depressants.
Volunteer coordinator Su Hallam said: “There is still a stigma attached to mental illness, but celebrities talking about it has helped.”
“One in four people will suffer from a mental health problem at some time in their lives and yet they are worried about telling their employer.”
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