Social psychiatry

Social psychiatric help is available in most municipalities. Social psychiatry is a supplement to psychiatric treatment. It is a collaboration between the municipal authority and the treatment system. The aim of this collaboration is to help the individual as much as possible.

It is an offer of help to people suffering from psychiatric disorders to help them live their daily lives. Social psychiatrists have a social science education and most have experience of the field of psychiatry.

Practical help

Social psychiatric help can consist of home support. This means that a regular contact person will give you practical help with your daily chores such as

• cleaning
• shopping
• laundry
• finances
• social contact

The contact person will also offer you social contact to break the isolation which accompanies a mental illness such as depression. The contact person will visit you regularly at your home and also offer to take part in activities outside your home.

Your contact person can also give you advice and guidance in connection with contact with public authorities, social services in the municipality, etc.

Day centre

Do you want to be with other people? You can contact your doctor, clinic or hospital to find out more about day centres in your area.    There, you will be able to take part in a variety of activities such as excursions, vocational training, social skills training and education.

Relatives, friends and neighbours

Social psychiatrists can also give guidance and advice on the mentally ill person's network in relation to how they can help the ill. Many organisations allow relatives to take part in groups. In these groups, relatives get help and support from other people in the same situation.

How can I help other people?

If you see signs that someone living close to you needs help, you can go to one of the housing association's staff or one of the municipal authority's social psychiatrists. You might for example notice that a mentally ill person is isolating himself/herself in their apartment and not emptying their postbox. Or making a lot of noise and disturbing other residents. A social psychiatrist can also contact the person to assess the situation and offer help.

If you want to find out more about the social psychiatric services available in your municipality, call social services.