Bipolar disorder

Support in Gloucestershire

CGL Gloucestershire is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults (including offenders), families, carers and affected others. They provide information, support, advice and treatment options from three main hubs across the county - Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud. They also work from a range of other locations including pharmacies and community venues. https://www.changegrowlive.org/content/cgl-gloucestershire

Support in Herefordshire

Addaction Herefordshire offers information, advice and support for people with drug and alcohol issues every weekday, and on alternative Saturdays. There is a young people’s service for those aged 11+. Their recovery-focused service has bases in Hereford as well as outreach via partner organisations. They aim to support people to overcome their issues and develop the skills necessary to go on to live a fulfilling life in recovery. They also support the families of people with substance misuse issues. www.addaction.org.uk/services/addaction-herefordshire

Money and mental health are often linked. Poor mental health can make managing money harder and worrying about money can make your mental health worse. This website gives information about the relationship between money worries and mental health, with suggestions on how to address them.

The Money Advice Service is also a good source of information and support around money and debt.

• Taking Control of Debt
• Money Problems and Poor Mental Wellbeing
• Help if You're Struggling With Debt

Our Vocational Services team can help you to find work. Find out more here.

You are entitled to see the information held in your health record. You do not have to tell us why you want to see your records. If you wish to see a copy of your health record, please ask the person providing your care or write to: Head of Health Records, Rikenel, Montpellier, Gloucester GL1 1LY. In your letter, give:

 

• your name
• address
• date of birth
• any other information which would help locate your file

Please note: there may be a charge for this service. If you think that information in your health records may not be accurate, please notify us in writing.

Our Choice and Medication website helps you make a decision about medication and some treatments. The Trust's pharmacy service supports staff, service users and carers in achieving safe and effective management of medicines. For more information, please visit our Choice and Medication website.

If you have serious mental ill health now, or have done in the past, and are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, then it is important to get specialist advice. Getting specialist advice and guidance prior to becoming pregnant will help reduce the risks for you and your baby.  There is help and support available, so don't be afraid to talk about how you are feeling with your midwife, GP or psychiatrist – they will be happy to discuss your particular problem and care with you. Women who have had previous serious mental ill health can be at higher risk of becoming unwell during pregnancy and after birth. Mental health professionals can discuss care and treatment choices and support you to make informed choices about managing your condition, including weighing up the benefits and risks of taking medication. They will help you make a plan to look after your mental health as your pregnancy progresses and once your baby is born. If your pregnancy is unplanned, then you should inform your care coordinator or lead mental health professional as soon as you know you are pregnant, so they can help and support you. It is important a women's mental health remains stable during pregnancy and after birth. There is increasing evidence that shows that untreated mental illness during this period can have a negative longer term effect on a baby's development. If you are pregnant, it is important that you don’t stop your medication suddenly, unless told to do so by your doctor. Stopping treatment suddenly may cause you to become unwell again more quickly and increase the risks for you and your baby. It can also cause side effects. It may be best for you to continue your medication during your pregnancy and if you choose to breastfeed. Mental illness can sometimes impact on a women's ability to care for herself and her baby. It is also important to inform your midwife about your mental health condition and any medication you are taking. Do not treat yourself with herbal remedies without consulting your doctor.

Taking your medication whilst pregnant

If you are on medication, or specific medication has been suggested to you, the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website is a helpful resource. This free service gives the most up-to-date, evidence-based information for women and their families. This website is an excellent resource but please still discuss any medication changes with your doctor.

Did you know?

• Smoking is the primary reason for the 10 to 20 year shortened life expectancy for people with a mental health disorder. Smoking causes cancer, cardio vascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• People with mental health conditions consume 42 per cent of all tobacco bought in the UK
• Many think smoking is a mood enhancer - in fact it causes depression, stress and anxiety
• Smokers have a 79 per cent increased risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease

These are just some of the reasons why cutting down or giving up smoking altogether can have a huge impact on improving your health and wellbeing.

How to get help quitting

• If you are one of our service users, ask to speak to a Smokefree Champion or Quit Advisor
• If you live in Gloucestershire, visit hlsglos.org or ring 0800 122 3788
• You can also call the national Smokefree helpline on 0800 022 4332 (Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm)
• GPs can provide advice and prescriptions for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products and most surgeries have nurses who offer a stop smoking service
• The national Smokefree website includes a wide range of support options and advice