Looking after Mental Health – Part 2

This is a second article on Mental Health presented by W Bro Ivan Chu PProvJGD, ProvGStB (RA) – He is a Member of the Middlesex Almoner Support Team.

As mentioned in my previous article – pglm.org.uk/mental-health-pt1 anyone encountering a mental health issue must not be stigmatised because with appropriate help, support and treatment, you can recover from it, nearly as successfully as a physical disorder. Improvements have been made over the years such as new medications, technologies and different approaches made by the specialists to assist those who are in need of treatment. Psychotherapists and Psychiatrists are helping in many new ways after years of research on the subject. A treatment approach involving both drugs and psychotherapy can be very effective indeed.

The biggest problem is when the individual either does not realise that he is suffering from a mental health issue or tries to hide it from others including his nearest family members who may also be directly affected by his condition as a result.

Amongst Freemasons, we do have members of different age groups. In each age group, they may have a different set of problems. Just to mention a few, younger members may encounter problems such as

• Un-employment
• Separation or Divorce
• Sexual or sexuality problems
• Housing

On the other hand, the older members may

• Experience transitions in social roles, such as going from being an active worker to being retired.
• Ageing
• Loneliness
• Deterioration in physical and mental health

All the above-mentioned problems can lead to psychological manifestations such as frustration, insomnia, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and even suicide.

So how can we help as a Lodge Almoner ?

Information gathering

When someone is suffering from a mental illness, depending on what it is, the most readily available source of help is that of his immediate family, bearing in mind that they, likewise may be suffering with him at the same time. As an immediate family member of this individual, the level of stress on them may just be as high as what he is suffering himself. This is perhaps why we as almoners may be in a unique position to help because we can listen to all the problems and still being able to walk away afterwards and go back to our own home environment. Having said that, some of the health professionals could also take the problems with them and subsequently putting themselves under un-necessary pressure as a result. As a mental health professional, one of the first thing we learnt was to try not to get ourselves overly involved with the situation in the first instance. We need to have a pair of good listening ears and possibly good memory in remembering certain key details. What we do not want to do is to make a judgement of the individual’s action and how this may affect others directly or indirectly.

Family GP

Clearly, the family doctor is the first person that the individual should be in touch with as he/she, being a member of the Primary Health Care Team should have the knowledge of this disease even though he may not be a specialist in this area. He/she should be able to make the necessary referrals to the relevant parties who may be able to offer further help, advice and support.

Specialist Support

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is an anxiety disorder often developed following a traumatic event or serious injuries. The individual needs a medical/ psychological assessment by the psychiatrist and/or psychologist. They would then decide which may be the best way forward regarding his treatment. NHS Psychological Therapies Services may need a GP referral although it is possible to self-refer. However, it is recommended to get a GP referral as it is helpful for him to be aware of this.

PTSD UK provides a great deal of information regarding the causes, symptoms and guidance on how this condition could be treated successfully.

Social Care and Support

It is the local Council’s Social Services Department which would provide such support. This can come in different forms e.g.

• Home help
• Meals on Wheels
• Home Adaptations
• Household gadgets and equipment
• Personal Alarms and home security system
• Supported Living Services and Care Homes.

These services may be free or partly paid by the Social Services, depending on the individual’s saving and investments of no more than £23,250, not including the value of the house. A needs assessment is carried out by one of their professionals if you want the Council to pay toward such care and services.

Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB)

This is a free telephone service and is particularly helpful on matters to do with money and benefits. Their telephone number is 03444 111 444. CAB does not charge the individual for the services provided although the individual must pay for the phone call itself to the phone provider.

When someone is suffering from a mental health issue, it is quite possible that he may also be in a degree of financial difficulties especially when his condition deters him from continuing with his current employment or business. CAB will be able to advise him on matters such as
• Attendance allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Council Tax Reduction
• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Grants and Bursaries for training
• Income Support
• Income-based employment and support allowance.

Mind

This is another Charity Organisation that could offer help to those with mental health problems. Their info line is 0300 123 3393 and the link is info@mind.org.uk.

Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF)

The MCF is our Charity Organisation which offers help to all Freemasons in many ways, ranging from financial support, medical equipment to care home services. As regarding mental health services, see the leaflets on “Counselling for Adults” below, which is self-explanatory.

Counselling for Adults

Conclusion

Treating a mental health disorder can be a very complex issue. The individual may need medical and psychological help to deal with the symptoms. As a result of the problem, the individual may also suffer in many other areas such as job loss which may lead to financial and even marital problems. As a Lodge Almoner, you do not have the answers to all the questions they ask, but we can point them in the right direction where help may be readily available.

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