The Mental Health Care Programme

The Mental Health Care Programme aims to actively manage episodic depression, providing tools and benefits for high quality, coordinated healthcare. Here's how you can join:

1. Enrolment: A network general practitioner (GP) or a psychologist in the Mental Health Care Programme network can enrol you through Health ID, with your consent.
2. Collaboration: Your network GP and psychologist will work with you to manage your condition, using tools and benefits to monitor and improve care.
3. Progress tracking: A personalised dashboard on HealthID allows your healthcare provider to track your progress and identify areas that need attention.
4. Duration: The programme typically runs for six months but can be extended to 12 months if clinically appropriate. To register, call 0860 002 107.

Additionally, the Depression Relapse Prevention Programme aims to reduce the chronicity (long term recurrence) of major depression and prevent multiple hospital admissions. It uses a risk intelligence prediction tool to identify at risk members. Benefits include counselling, education and access to allied healthcare professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers and registered counsellors.

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall wellbeing, profoundly influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Good mental health allows people to cope with the normal stresses of life, to work productively and to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Good mental health not only supports personal and social development, but also plays a significant role in physical health as it can affect bodily functions and the ability to lead a fulfilling life. Therefore, prioritising mental health through self-care, awareness and seeking professional support when necessary is essential for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.