Mental Health

Mental health problems are among the most common of all health conditions. One in four people will experience a mental health problem in the course of a year.

What is a mental health problem?

Mental health problems cover a wide range of conditions which affect someone's daily life. Most people recover, but long-term problems can lead to considerable disruption in people's lives.

Mental health includes neurotic problems such as depression, anxiety or panic and less common psychotic symptoms, which interfere with a person's perception of reality, and may include hallucinations such as seeing and hearing things that no-one else can.

Visit the Oxfordshire Mental Health Information website for more information on mental health.

How do I get help with a mental health problem?

If you, a friend or relative are experiencing mental health problems for the first time and need treatment, you can contact your GP (doctor) who will be able to refer you to the most appropriate mental health service. If you are not registered with a doctor, visit the GP search on the NHS Choices website to find your local GP surgery.

You can also contact the Access Team at Oxfordshire County Council who can provide you with an assessment and advice on what should be done next. Visit the Oxfordshire County Council Mental Health website pages for more information.

The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust provide specialist mental health services to people in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding counties. Most people are referred to the service by their GP (family doctor). Services are provided for people of all ages.

**Oxfordshire mental health contacts**
Organisation	Phone
Oxfordshire County Council Access Team	0845 050 7666 or 0800 833408 (out of hours)
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust	01865 778911

What other organisations can help with mental health advice and support?

There are many organisations in the UK set up to give you help and advice on mental health issues. If you think you or someone you know may be experiencing mental health problems, use the following contacts:

**National mental health contacts**
Organisation	Phone
Mind	0845 766 0163
Mental Health Foundation	020 7803 1100
Rethink	0845 456 0455
Young Minds	020 7336 8445
Samaritans (24-hour confidential support)	0845 7 90 90 90

Where can I find more information about mental health issues?

Visit the Mental Health section of the DirectGov website for more information about mental health issues.

Visit our Health Links page for useful links to other websites related to health and medical advice in Oxford.

Page last reviewed 14 May 2008