Health

Domestic abuse can severely affect your health. Apart from the obvious external injuries such as bruising, bleeding or broken limbs from a physical  attack, sometimes this can result in internal injuries which are initially not so obvious. Suffering continual abuse from a partner or family member can also affect your mental health greatly. Women who are pregnant risk harm to themselves and/or the unborn child as a result of a physical attack. It is extremely important that you get immediate treatment. You can either make an appointment with your doctor, or in the case of serious injury, at the accident and emergency department of Barnsley District General Hospital. Women who are pregnant can speak with a health visitor. Health Visitors are qualified nurses with additional special training and experience in child health, health promotion and education. It is not uncommon for domestic abuse to increase during pregnancy.

Depression can happen as a result of the abuse. Often this makes you extremely tired and can give you feelings of low self esteem.. Your doctor can sometimes prescribe anti-depressants or recommend counselling. You can also self refer for counselling at the agencies in this directory. It is important that you look after your health, and early care can stop more serious harm coming to you. You should never, feel that you are being a burden or that your doctor has more serious patients to see. Your health is important to you and your children.

Further information about your health and doctor services can be found by clicking on the following links to access Barnsley PCT website, Barnsley Hospital website or NHS Direct.
www.barnsleypct.nhs.uk
www.bhnft.nhs.uk or
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk