Category FAQs Search : Schizophrenia
Question: Who is available to help me?
Answer: In the course of your treatment for schizophrenia, you'll be involved with many different services. Some are accessed through referral from a GP, others through the local authority.
These services may include:
1) community mental health teams (CMHTs) – these provide the main part of local specialist mental health services, and offer assessment, treatment and social care to people living with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses
2) trained peer support – this involves the support of someone who has had schizophrenia themselves and is now stable, and may be available through your CMHT
3) early intervention teams – these provide early identification and treatment for people with the first symptoms of psychosis; your GP may be able to refer you directly to an early intervention team
4) crisis services – specialist mental health teams that help with crises that occur outside normal office hours and allow people to be treated at home for an acute episode of illness instead of in hospital
5) acute day hospitals – an alternative to inpatient care in a hospital, where you can visit every day or as often as necessary
6) assertive outreach teams – deliver intensive treatment and rehabilitation in the community for people with severe mental health problems and provide rapid help in a crisis situation; staff often visit people at home, act as advocates, liaise with other services (such as your GP or social services), and can also help with practical problems (such as helping find housing and work) and daily tasks (such as shopping and cooking)
7) advocates – trained and experienced workers who help people communicate their needs or wishes, get impartial information, and represent their views to other people; they can be based in your hospital or mental health support groups, or you can find an independent advocate to act on your behalf
(Source: The National Health Service (NHS), 12 May 2021)
Source Link: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/living-with/