Shared on change.org on the petition by a young woman determined to get help for her homeless brother who is an addict: "... agree with your demand for a new paradigm of mental health care. The MHA (and statutory services in general mostly) does nothing to aid recovery. However, I would just like to add: There is almost an element of cunning wisdom sneaking in where it says someone cannot be sectionned (and thus treated against their will) for being an addict. They'd be in there forever... In other words: It seems to be an existential truth that the addict has to be ready... and attempts to get them there (to being ready) have to be cunning, patient and 'ready to jump in' when the time is right ."
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sually I look forward to BBC Radio 4's All In The MInd. This week, I was left a bit concerned about their recommendation to 'speak with your GP' when experiencing mental health issues. While I agree with the qualifier that it would be best if one knew the GP well (who does though these days?) and  the suggestion to describe feelings rather than theorise about them seems good, I would advise to speak with the GP only if absolutely necessary, and to take a friend to the appointment. My advice would be: Look for self help information, such as from MIND, RETHINK and these self help modules:
 http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm
and speak with 2 different friends about your feelings first, if possible. Of course, don't do anything to put yourself or anyone else at risk. Keep as calm as you can: Help is out there. Many libraries have a shelf 'books on prescription' on mental health - and you don't need a prescription for those! IF you decide to speak with your GP, you may end up being prescribed medication as most, in my experience do not have the time or skill to listen deeply. Think carefully about taking it and do research the side effects and risk of dependency. Doctors may not talk about before starting you on meds. In the words of one expert-by-experience, Dr. Eleanor Longden, Mental Health is about "what happened to you? - rather than 'what is wrong with you?" So the help needed may not be medical.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission was in the news (on BBC Radio 4) tonight, saying that disabled people continue to be disadvantaged despite the Disability Disrimination Act... Whether you are facing an assessment, an appeal or are not sure how best to present the complex situation of one of your clients: You need an independently minded, highly experienced and deep-thinking expert who will find a way to credibly present the person's rights and interests. Send us an enquiry...