Part 1: Mental healthChapter 1: Introduction1. What does this Handbook includeBenefit topics includedBenefit topics not includedLearning difficulties, learning disabilities and neurocognitive disordersAbout MindAbout CPAG2. What are mental health problemsMental health problems and disabilitySevere mental illness3. Language used in this HandbookDiagnosisDiagnosis textsControversial diagnosesDiagnosis and treatmentDiagnosis and young peopleOutdated terminologyDifferent perspectives on mental health4. The different types of benefitMeans-tested benefitsContributory benefitsDisability benefits (non-means tested and non-contributory)Other types of benefit5. How to use this HandbookChapter 2: Mental health and benefitsKey facts1. How mental health problems can affect youMental health symptomsCompulsionsConcentration problemsDelusionsDisorganised thinking and speechDissociationDistrustEating problemsFlashbacksHallucinationsHoardingImpulsive actionsInsecurity, low confidence and low self-esteemIntrusive and obsessive thoughtsLow or lack of insightMania or hypomaniaMemory problemsMood changesPanic attacksParanoiaPhysical health problemsSelf-harmSelf-neglectSleep problemsSuicidal thoughts and feelingsMental health treatmentsMedicationsTalking therapyHospital procedures2. Mental health problems, stigma and misconceptionsTypes of stigmaIntersectionalityStigma and misconceptions in the benefit systemInformal observationsInappropriate questionsChallenging stigma and misconceptionsDiscrimination3. Mental health and the benefit systemEligibilityInflexible systemsRepeating informationForm fillingEvidence requirementsCommunicationAppointments and assessmentsDeadlinesWork-related requirementsReassessments and reviewsSanctionsAppeals and mandatory reconsiderations4. Getting supportChapter 3: Giving adviceKey facts1. Supporting people with mental health problemsTerminologyMental health terminologyBenefits terminologyCommunication preferencesSupport needsSuicidal feelings and self-harmGetting needs recognised in the benefit systemDiscussing another person’s benefitsReasonable adjustmentsAlternative payment arrangementsDeadline extensionsRescheduling benefit appointmentsWork-related requirements and sanctionsMandatory reconsiderations and appealsComplaining about discriminationNot passing judgementEncouragement and realismWhen supporting somebody is challengingLook after your own needs2. The advice journeyHelping people understand what they might be entitled toStarting a claimCompleting formsCollecting evidenceAssessmentsChallenging a decisionCommunicating on somebody’s behalfAdvice appointments3. Difficult times and bad newsChallenging decisionsWhen nothing can be done