Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores a historical and widely held assumption within medical and psychology literatures that have examined the topic area of physical impairment and mental health, that individuals living with a physical impairment will inevitably experience mental distress by virtue of living with an impairment. It examines women's experiences of both gaining access to and using mental health services across the statutory and non-statutory sectors. The book shows how the professionals level of understanding and awareness of disability and impairment, and the length of contact time offered to an individual by a service or mental health professional. It examines women's recollections of their experiences of distress and the personal circumstances relevant to those experiences. The book considers the potential outcomes for mental health and allied professionals working within statutory and non-statutory sector organisations and services.