Britain's Mental Health Crisis

Discussion

1. What is mental illness? Do you think about it much?

2. What causes mental illness?

3. Is mental illness a big problem in your country?

4. How is it dealt with - where do be people with mental illness go?

5. What are these mental illnesses? How should they be treated?

Anxiety & Panic Disorders

Bipolar Disorder

Depression

Eating Disorders

Schizophrenia

Personality Disorders

Substance Abuse & Addiction

6. What sort of person would suit being a mental health worker?


Content

BBC Panorama: Britain's Mental Health Crisis

Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust

Start at 1:30

Guide questions:

1. What is "Section 136"?

2. Which is not a cause of the surge in numbers of people needing mental health services?

A) Austerity policies
B) Increased use of illegal drugs
C) Reductions in social service
D) Population growth

3. How many beds has the Trust lost over the last 8 years?

4. What is Heather's job?

5. What happens when there aren't enough beds for new admissions?

A) They can't be admitted
B) A patient who is less unwell has to be discharged

Pause talk about the situation

6. What's the "September Surge"?

7. What is Mel's mental illness?

8. Why has she been in the Trent ward for so long?

9. What may happen if she is sent home?

Pause and talk about Mel's situation

10. What do the staff decide to do with Ben?

11. What does the CRHT team do?

Pause and talk about Ben's situation

12. What does the clinician say to Mel?

13. What is Stuart's mental illness?

14. How does the doctor feel about the way the hospital is used?

15. How does she feel about Stuart's desire for independence?

Finish at 17:00

What do you think of the mental health workers in the programme?

How do you think they feel about the work they do?

Which of the staff did you admire the most?

Which of the patients did you feel most sorry for?

Did any of them have any hope?

Britain's Mental Health Crisis


On the brighter side.... (?)

John Oliver on Mental Health