It has been estimated that one in four of us will experience an episode of mental illness during our lifetime.

There are many different forms this can take but depression, anxiety and stress are the most common symptoms.

These are often associated with a difficulty in getting motivated and can affect a person’s ability to do everyday things such as taking care of themselves, eating properly or taking medication.

At Citizens Advice we regularly see people asking for help with practical problems which may have been caused or made worse by their mental illness.

Managing money and paying bills, claiming benefits or coping with a job can all become too much and can increase the stress levels.

There is still a lack of understanding about mental health issues, with some people and employers giving the impression that sufferers should ‘pull themselves together’.

This attitude can make people unwilling to admit they have mental health issues and lead to them suffering discrimination and a delay getting treatment.

We know there is pressure on NHS budgets and have heard from mental health staff that much of their time is spent helping their patients with practical problems rather than medical treatment.

We have built up a measure of expertise in helping and supporting people suffering from mental illness deal with any these issues, make sure they are getting any welfare benefits they are entitled to and negotiate on their behalf when necessary.

We can work alongside the NHS and family members to enable people cope with their illness and onto the road to recovery.

* For further advice on this or any other subject contact Citizens Advice at 1 Acland Rd Dorchester, call us on 0344 2451291, go to www.citizensadvice.org,uk or our local website www.westdorsetca.org.uk