Mental illness usually refers to specific conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (previously known as manic-depression) and severe depression.
Mental health problems usually refer to a wider range of psychological problems arising from stressful life events or experiences.
The biopsychosocial model of mental illness accepts that mental illness is caused by a complex interaction between biological, psychological and social factors. Many users of the mental health services have been critical of the over-reliance on the medical (or biological) approach to mental illness, which resulted in medication being the primary treatment often with little access to psychological counselling or psychotherapy.
The so-called values to action programme, which has been pioneered in the HSE midwest, will be used as a model of care. This programme looks at all aspects of the individual's life - home, family, friends, work. It then looks at what obstacles are preventing the individual from achieving their aspirations within these spheres and what moves can be made to change things. Practical and psychological support is given in the search for appropriate accommodation, restoring family relationships, getting work and rebuilding a social life.
The new mental health policy document also stresses the importance of a holistic approach in which people with mental health problems (family members and/or carers) are partners in their own care plans and members of decision-making bodies which plan, organise, deliver and monitor the mental health services.
Sylvia Thompson