Your health

Someone has an addiction or addictive behaviour when doing, taking or using something gets out of control to the point where it could be harmful to them.

Alcohol and drug problems are very common. If you use drugs and/or alcohol and they are causing problems in other areas of your life such as your job, relationships, health, finances or emotional well-being, then this may be an issue for you. There are many other common addiction problems such as gambling, and nicotine, and it’s possible to be addicted to just about anything, including: work, internet, sex, shopping.

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health problem that affects your mood. It is characterised by prolonged changes to the person’s mood. These usually last several weeks or months and are far beyond what most of us experience. The person might experience:

• Periods of feeling very low and down
• Periods of feeling excessively happy and energetic for no apparent reason
• Sometimes the person may have unusual experiences, strange thoughts or might behave out of character during these periods.

These episodes would usually affect the persons day to day life and make it difficult for them to function as they normally would.

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Anorexia Nervosa

A type of eating disorder where the person will restrict the amount of food they take in with a view to losing weight or maintaining a low body weight that is unhealthy. It is frequently associated with an increased pre-occupation with their weight and possibly perceiving themselves as being fat or over-weight even when this might not be the case.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Bulimia Nervosa

A type of eating disorder where a person goes through periods where they eat a lot of food in a very short amount of time (binge eating) and then are deliberately sick, use laxatives (medication to help them poo) or do excessive exercise, or a combination of these, to try to stop themselves gaining weight.

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and is not a description of the text on this website.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling that we can all get but sometimes it can become excessive and stop you from doing the things you want to. These feelings can become a problem when they cause distress or make us feel uncomfortable. There are various types of anxiety disorders depending on how often they occur or if they are triggered by certain things. Examples might be when the feelings of anxiety can occur all the time for no apparent reason with lots of worrying thoughts and physical symptoms such as a racing heart, feeling breathless, knot in your stomach, increased sweating. This is called Generalised Anxiety. Sometimes these symptoms can occur without warning for short periods of time for no apparent reason. These are called Panic attacks. Sometimes the feelings of aniety can be brought on by specific things such as a fear of heights or crowded places or spiders etc. These are described as Phobias.

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Sleep Disorder

Occasional sleep disturbance is common and quite a normal experience familiar to us all. Everyone experiences difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep at some time in their lives. This often occurs at times of change or times of stress. Insomnia is a condition where you have problems getting to sleep or staying asleep for 3 or more nights per week and persisting for at least 6 months. There might also be daytime mood and performance effects.

People with insomnia often experience:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Frequent night time awakenings
• Feeling very tired the next day

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. In this condition, the person suffers from obsessions and/or compulsions that affects their everyday life.

• An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters your mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease.
• A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or mental act that you feel you need to carry out to try to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.

If you have OCD these thoughts cause lots of anxiety and they can be extremely difficult to ignore. You might find that you spend lots of time worrying about what your thoughts mean. You might also complete behaviours to try and stop your feelings of anxiety.

Not everyone who experiences obsessions will have compulsive behaviours but often compulsive behaviours are very subtle and feel like a natural reaction to obsessive thoughts. You might perform a behaviour that seems unrelated to your original worry, for example repeating a certain word or phrase to yourself to “neutralise” a thought.

Some people can only suffer from obsessions, whilst others suffer from a mixture of both obsessions and compulsions.

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Panic Attack

Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense anxiety which appear to have no obvious triggers or reasoning. They can happen when a person least expects it and can be very distressing and frightening for the person. They can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, feeling faint or dizzy, sweating, trembling, feeling shaky, breathlessness and agitation. The person may feel like they are losing control or dying. 

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression (PND) affects around 10% of mothers. This is much more serious than the period post birth known as ‘baby blues’ which usually lasts between one to three days. PND can develop slowly and may not be noticeable until several weeks after the baby’s birth, or may continue on from the baby blues period. The symptoms of postnatal depression are similar to those in depression at other times. These include low mood, sleep and appetite problems, poor motivation and pessimistic or negative thinking. It can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the mother and the child.

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Post-Partum Psychosis

It is a severe episode of mental illness which begins suddenly in the days or weeks after having a baby. Symptoms vary and can change rapidly. They can include high mood (mania), depression, confusion, unusual experiences and strange thoughts. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency. You should seek help as quickly as possible.

Postpartum psychosis can happen to any woman. It often occurs ‘out of the blue’ to women who have not been ill before. It can be a frightening experience for women, their partners, friends and family. Women usually recover fully after an episode of postpartum psychosis.

It is much less common than Baby Blues or Postnatal Depression. It occurs in about 1 in every 1000 women (0.1%) who have a baby.

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Phobias

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. It is an extreme form of fear or anxiety triggered by a particular situation (such as going outside) or object (such as spiders), even when there is no danger. For example, you may know that it is safe to be out on a balcony but feel terrified to go out on it or even enjoy the view from behind the windows inside the building. Likewise, you may know that a spider isn’t poisonous or that it won’t bite you, but this still doesn’t reduce your anxiety.

Someone with a phobia may even feel this extreme anxiety just by thinking or talking about the particular situation or object.

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder which you may develop after being involved in, or witnessing, traumatic events. A traumatic event is one where you are in danger, your life is threatened, or where you see other people dying or being injured. Examples of traumatic events include road traffic accidents, assaults and sexual assaults, being involved in a natural disaster such as an earthquake, witnessing or experiencing war, torture, or being held hostage.

It is usual for a traumatic event to cause upset and distress.  Most people will recover with the support and care offered by family and friends and by using the ways of coping that they would normally use to deal with stress. However, some people will experience distress that is more intense and longer lasting and may result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares relating to the event, avoidance of things that may remind the person of the trauma, flashbacks, feeling on edge and always on the lookout for danger, and negative changes in mood and thoughts.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Trauma

The situations we find traumatic can vary from person to person. There are many different harmful or life-threatening events that might cause someone to develop PTSD. A traumatic event is one where you see that you are in danger, your life is threatened, or where you see other people dying or being injured.

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Psychosis

Psychosis is a term used to describe a number of unusual experiences:

1. hearing or seeing things that other people can’t hear or see (hallucinations)
2. holding unusual beliefs that people from a similar background would think strange or irrational (this includes delusions and paranoia)
3. being so jumbled in thoughts or speech that other people can’t easily make sense of what you are meaning (thought disorder)
4. experiencing periods of confusion – for example: becoming very distracted and finding it difficult to pay attention or make decisions

Psychosis can happen to anyone, up to 10 per cent of people will at some point in their life hear a voice talking to them when there is no-one there. Lots of things can contribute to a person experiencing psychosis such as stress, physical illnesses, using drugs or alcohol and mental illnesses.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects thinking, emotions and behaviour. It is the most common form of psychosis. Schizophrenia usually affects people for the first time when they reach early adulthood – from their late teens to early thirties. Symptoms include:

• Hallucinations – hearing, smelling, feeling or seeing something that isn’t there.
• Delusions – believing something completely even though others find your ideas strange and can’t work out how you’ve come to believe them.
• Difficulty thinking – you find it hard to concentrate and tend to drift from one idea to another. Other people can find it hard to understand you.
• Feeling controlled – you may feel that your thoughts are vanishing, or that they are not your own, or that your body is being taken over and controlled by someone else.

Other symptoms include:

• Loss of interest, energy and emotions.
• Problems with motivation and organising yourself.
• Problems with routine jobs like washing, tidying, or looking after yourself

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Stress

Stress is normal and it affects everyone. It usually happens when you are in a situation that puts you under pressure. It can happen when you have lots to think about or do or when you don’t feel you have much control over a situation. It usually happens when you have things to do that you find difficult to cope with. Many situations can cause stress including relationships, work demands, financial worries and so on. It can have an effect on our emotions, thoughts, behaviour and physical wellbeing

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Self-Harm

At times in our life we can all find it difficult to cope, sometimes we harm ourselves or think of ending our lives. Self-harm is a way of coping with very deep distress. The ways in which people harm themselves vary and can be physical such as cutting or less obvious such as putting themselves in risky situations or not looking after their physical or emotional needs.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Suicide

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

The Triangle of Care approach was initially developed by carers and staff seeking to improve carer engagement in acute inpatient services. It has now been extended to cover all mental health services whether they are an inpatient, community team or specialist service such as eating disorders or forensic mental health services.

There are six key standards to the Triangle of Care which all mental health services are working towards. 

• Carers and the essential role they play are identified at first contact or as soon as possible thereafter
• Staff are ‘carer aware’ and trained in carer engagement strategies
• Policy and practice protocols on confidentiality and sharing information, are in place
• Defined post(s) responsible for carers are in place
• A carer introduction to the service and staff is available, with a relevant range of information across the care pathway
• A range of carer support services is available.

The Carers Trust has further information about the Triangle of Care and what it can mean for you.

Things you can do, as a carer, to look after yourself?

The hints and suggestions below have been put together by fellow carers.

• It’s okay to ask for help
• Learning and getting the right information is essential
• Take time out for yourself
• It’s okay to be upset and emotional
• Talking to someone who can understand and empathise with your situation can really help
• Use support groups 
• Find out how others cope
• Focus on positive things
• Share your view with service providers – having your voice heard can be empowering.

As a carer it is important to remember to look after your own physical, social and emotional health needs This may at times feel impossible, however, these areas may assist you in your caring role.

Physical – Ask for a health check at your GP surgery or some carer centres can direct you to have one carried out. Look after your physical health by eating a well-balanced diet. Aim to get enough sleep, and try to get some exercise which will help you relax, feel better and improve your health and wellbeing.

Social – Try to get time out from your caring role to socialise with family members and friends. Maintain or develop new interests or hobbies. If you are on your own speak to a carers centre who can advise you about social opportunities.

Emotional – You might find it helpful to access advice and support from agencies such as Social Work, CMHT, local voluntary agencies or a dedicated carer centre. Talking to other carers who have experienced similar situations to you can often help. Emotional and educational support can also help especially if you feel that you have no one to turn to. Sometimes talking to professionals can help too if you feel you need more than just a listening ear your GP can direct you to agencies which offer CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or talking therapies in your local area.

Many people do not see themselves as a ‘carer’ in a formal sense.  Many people view caring for someone as a duty.

The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 provides you with the right to request an Adult Carers Support Plan.  This is a plan which can help you look at what you need in order to provide you, as a carer, with support and the chance to have a life outside of caring.  You can request this via the local Social Work Department or speak to the Social Worker or Community Psychiatric Nurse in the local Community Mental Health Team.  You are entitled to this Adult Carers Support Plan even if the person you care for does not want you to have one; this is about you the carer and what you need.

If you are 18 and under you may be considered to be a young carer and can, under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 be entitled to a Young Carers Statement.  You can contact your local Social Work Department about this or if you attend a young carer service speak to the workers there.

Further information for carers is available from NHSGGC Carers Information

It never fails that a crisis probably happens at the most inconvenient time – late at night, over a weekend, or when you are planning a break.  At such times it is not easy to respond in the best or most appropriate way.

It is helpful therefore to try to think about some of the worst-case scenarios in advance, and how might you respond, who might you call on and where to keep this information safe and handy.  It’s like having a plan of action you can turn to help you through.

Make sure you have the numbers of our out of hours’ services that are available in your area.  Similarly have the numbers for relatives and friends who can be called on at short notice, either to give you support in your home to deal with the emergency.  It is good if these people are with you once the crisis/emergency has ended as you might like someone to talk about how you feel.

Keep contact numbers of the all the services involved in the care and treatment of the person you care for, make sure these numbers are in a safe and handy place.  If storing them in your mobile, make sure it is charged, or keep written copies.

Any plans you make for dealing with emergencies should be agreed between you and the person you care for when that person is well.  This is not always easy as many people do not want to think about being ill again. However, if you have a backup plan it may actually be helpful in avoiding a more serious crisis.

Further information for carers is available from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Carers

A Carer is anybody who provides support and care to someone who has an illness, disability, mental health problem or an addiction.  In most cases, this is an unpaid role. Being a carer can be difficult and have an impact on the person’s life. There are a range of supports available and carers are also entitled to a formal assessment of their needs

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde