Mental Illness

[jennyjoan]

I am tossing and turning from around 10.30 - am very concerned about a relative - and am just realising she/he is definitely not well. There is so much going on.

Naturally enough I don't want to give personal information but this person needs help but lives alone.

I'm not close enough to the person but because of the Covid scenario - is there mental illness help out there. I know people will say - call the GP but sure isn't that a face to face call and this person doesn't have a mobile phone or realises she/he is mentally ill.

At first over the years I put it down to the usual ADHD, Autism, Aspergers (Autism) I do think the person has had but now with so much happening in person's life - I am realising tonight the person is really ill.

Is there any medical help in Belfast at all. Thanks for any replies.

[tonyav]

Wow, sounds like your worried about this person jj. Hope someone with knowledge of Belfast responds to you.

[Buenchico]

Belfast Samaritans might know about relevant support services:
https://www.samaritans.org/branches/belfast/

[jennyjoan]

yes Tony Av - I am - the person has been a cheeky *** in his day and most of his relatives have been very good to him, but over this Christmas - he has been strange.

Just found tonight that after one brother called and he is lying in the most dreadful conditions. My sister and I have bought him pretty much everything, bed clothes, (no sign of them), microwave, food, electricity, gas, heat, and most of all food and there is nothing there. Unfortunately I had a row with him about 3 weeks ago as he sent a cheeky text to sister who has been actually superb with him and (she didn't know) at the time - but I faced up to him about his cheekiness to her. She didn't deserve that.

Tony - there is far too much other stuff - incredible.

But tonight even tho he was cheeky to me of course I forgive him - he is NOT WELL

Know from the above posts - he is a he.

[jennyjoan]

Chris - the other siblings are turning a different cheek and don't want to go there,

But when I get the chance I am going to mention that he is definitely mentally unwell.

[tonyav]

A great link from Chris, jj worth giving them a call I recon.

[jennyjoan]

I phoned the Samaritans about 3 times in my life but find they are just "listeners" and really can't provide "constructive answers".

It's basically what you have to do for yourself really.

[Buenchico]

Belfast Social Services might be able to point you in the right direction: 028 9063 4891.

[anneasquith]

Jj. Take the advice/ telephone number from Chris. Your relative is lucky to have family who will help him .

[Smowball]

JJ you sound so worried. How old is this person? X

[emmie]

a GP even if it's a telephone consult should be able to help, perhaps put you in touch with a local crises team, if there is such a thing where you live, i would definitely give the GP a ring first and ask them if there is a crises team available. THey deal with mental health problems and in my case were invaluable.

[emmie]

Lifeline is a crisis response helpline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people in Northern Ireland. It offers immediate help over the telephone if you, or someone you know, is in distress or despair. telephone: [phone]

[barry1010]

He doesn't need a smartphone for a telephone consult with the GP - the landline will do.

[jennyjoan]

thank you for taking the time to provide me with links and phone numbers.