Step 1

First step

If you think you have a severe mental illness the first thing to do – if you haven’t already done it – is to go to your doctor. Take someone else with you if you need support, and book a double appointment if you want more time to discuss your illness. Together you will decide:

1. Which medication for a mental illness you should be prescribed, if any. TIP: the choice is down to you as well as your doctor. Ask questions and get information on each of the medications that are available, including any details about how well they work, how easy they are to take, and the side effects they might have. You can review your medication with your doctor again on future visits. (For people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia: click here to read Hafal’s guide to atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia.)
   
2. What other treatments and therapies for a mental illness including counselling, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy may be available. These might help you in your recovery: ask your doctor what’s on offer. Click here for more information on these.
   
3. How you can maintain and improve your physical health. It’s important that you look after yourself when you have a mental illness. Tell your doctor about any physical health problems you may have. To read more about physical health, click here.