Family carers are important and need to be heard

May 17, 2013 — Wendy

Carers group backs calls for depression screening

The new Deputy Mayor amd Mayoress of Sunderland, Stuart amd Marie Porthouse help staff at Sunderland Carers centre to celebrate their first anniversary.

The new Deputy Mayor amd Mayoress of Sunderland, Stuart amd Marie Porthouse help staff at Sunderland Carers centre to celebrate their first anniversary.

Published on 17/05/2013 12:06

CALLS to routinely screen carers for signs of depression have been backed by Sunderland Carers’ Centre.

The Royal College of General Practitioners last week claimed one in every 20 patients being seen by GPs is a carer, while 40 per cent will experience psychological distress.

They warned GPs must work harder to ensure the UK’s “invisible army” do not neglect their own health and that early warning signs of mental health issues, as well as physical conditions, are identified and treated.

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, gave her support to the proposals, which Sunderland Carers’ Centre say gives them a chance get more carers the help they need.

Graham Burt, chief executive officer at Sunderland Carers’ Centre said: “We know caring for someone can have a big impact on a person’s mental and physical health. (more…)

Posted in Carers, Depression, mental health. Tags: , , . No Comments »

Carers should be routinely screened for depression

May 11, 2013 — Wendy

Carers ‘facing depression risk’

Saturday 11th May 2013, 8:40AM BST.

Carers should be routinely screened for depression and mental health problems, doctors' leaders say
Carers should be routinely screened for depression and mental health problems, doctors’ leaders say

Carers should be routinely screened for depression and mental health problems, doctors’ leaders say.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) warned that carers often “neglect” their own healthcare, and found that around 40% experience depression or psychological problems.

Holding routine appointments and maintaining a carers’ register within GP practices could solve the “hidden” problem and prevent the £119 billion carers save the public purse being lost, the RCGP added.

Dr Clare Gerada, RCGP chairman, said: “Carers often neglect their own healthcare needs and in many cases it is only a matter of time before they themselves become ill. (more…)

Posted in Carers, Depression, health, mental health. Tags: , , , . 4 Comments »

Why is the NHS ‘biased’ towards mental health patients?

March 14, 2013 — Wendy

Paul Burstow: NHS is ‘biased’ against treating mental health

The NHS is “biased” against treating patients with depression and other mental health problems, wasting billions of pounds a year as their conditions grow worse, a former minister is warning.

Photo: GETTY

By , Political Correspondent

6:00AM GMT 14 Mar 2013

Paul Burstow said families were paying the price as government figures showed spending on mental health services fell by 1 per cent last year.

Patients are suffering a “postcode lottery” in services across the country, with some areas spending three times more than others on therapies and treatment, he said.

The Lib Dem MP, who was the Care Minister until September’s reshuffle, is to lead a new Commission on mental health, backed by the think-tank CentreForum, which is launched today.

Writing for telegraph.co.uk, Mr Burstow said: “The NHS default remains stubbornly biased towards physical health – a terrible false economy at the expense of people’s lives, as well as the public purse. (more…)

Posted in Carers, Depression, mental health. Tags: , , . No Comments »

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Cares

February 18, 2013 — Wendy

New mental health service for people in Cornwall

Friday, February 15, 2013

A new service has been set up to improve the mental health of people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

BeMe is part of a national network of services known as ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT).

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly approved the new provider after a formal commissioning process at the end of 2012.

Neill Richardson, BeMe’s clinical lead, said his team offered a range of services to people experiencing anxiety and depression. (more…)

Posted in Carers, Depression, mental health. Tags: , , . No Comments »

How does depression affect the elderly?

January 24, 2013 — Wendy

 Guest Blog from Jason Tucker

Depression can affect anyone regardless of age or gender but it is particularly common in elderly patients. Although the onset of depression is often attributed to specific events, a particular incident or situation may simply be a contributory factor rather than the cause. Whilst a specific event or set of circumstances may contribute to the onset of depression, the illness will manifest itself in the same way regardless of the cause of the trigger. Studies have shown that the brain circuits of patients suffering depression show changes to the way the brain manages mood, appetite, sleeping and behaviour. Whilst depression can be a distinct illness and appear without any other illnesses, patients often develop depression as a result of other illness. Elderly patients may find they develop depression following the onset of another illness but Doctors are often able to treat the depression successfully. (more…)

Posted in Carers, Depression, elderly care, health. Tags: , , , . No Comments »
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