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Getting treatment

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Around 1 in 4 people will experience mental illness at some point in their lives.

For some people, a mental illness is a one-off: something that happens once and passes. Other people have many episodes of mental illness.

There are lots of treatments available to help people to recover from, or to live a better life with, a mental illness.

Of course, every person with a mental illness is different, and their road to recovery will be different. The best treatment for you will depend on the kind of person you are as well as your diagnosis.

  • What treatment?

    There are lots of treatments available to help people to recover from, or to live a better life with, a mental illness. Of course, every person with a mental illness is different, and their road to recovery will be different. The best treatment for you will depend on the kind of person you are as well as your diagnosis.

  • Advance statements

    You may find it helpful to write an advance statement when you are well, stating how you would like to be treated if you become ill in future. Anyone who makes decisions about your treatment, like doctors or a tribunal, should read your advance statement and consider your wishes.

  • Can I be forced to have treatment?

    Sometimes, when people are unwell, they may need to have treatment, even if they don't want it. There are strict rules about when this can happen.

  • Being Detained

    If you become unwell with a mental illness, you may need treatment. In some cases, if you refuse treatment, you may be detained under the Mental Health Act, or “sectioned”.

  • Safeguarded treatments

    Find out about safeguards for treatments like ECT, artificial nutrition and neurosurgery. They require an independent second opinion from a Designated Medical Practitioner.