Mental Health Challenges for Southampton

On Wed 28 March we had a focus on mental health in Southampton because we felt this is an important topic to pray about.

These are statistics from Public Health Southampton: http://www.publichealth.southampton.gov.uk/healthintelligence/jsna/mentalhealth.aspx

Nationwide, 1:6 of the adult population experience mental ill health; anxiety and depression are the most common.
In Southampton 13,800 people are registered with their GP as having depression (diagnosed since 2006). True figure may be higher. Figures of depression in Southampton are slightly higher than the national average.
2,758 adults are registered with their GP as having severe and enduring mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychosis, rates of these are higher in Southampton than national average. Life expectancy is reduced in those with severe mental health problems.
Rates of suicide also higher than national average. 2/3 of these were men. Reasons given - relationship breakdown, alcohol misuse, history of abuse, chronic pain, loneliness. Rates of suicide falling a little though.
2,386 people are living with dementia in the city.

CAMHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for 0-18 years.
School nurses
No Limits - voluntary - provide counselling, anger management, positive activity management
Schools and colleges - emotional literacy, school nurse, education psychology, etc
Steps 2 Wellbeing service - therapy for low mood, anxiety, depression and stress
Primary care - GP surgeries and community health services.
Specialist services provided by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust - inpatient service included
Range of other services dealing with self harm, older people, autism
Crisis Resolution Team - support people at risk of suicide

Lessen the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health issues
Reduced suicide rates in Southampton
Antelope House (in-patient mental health unit) - pray generally for staff and patients
Community care - pray for mental health specialists who are supporting people in their community
The police - they are sometimes asked to respond to incidents involving people with mental health problems.
The hospitals especially A and E - where people in mental health crises go for help
Young people - self harm and bullying are known to be problems faced by young people in Southampton
Pray for the Church - role to play in supporting people with mental health issues.
Support for carers of those with mental health problems
Pray for families affected by these kind of problems.