Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, health care has seen advances in medical technology and treatments that are at no cost when in need. However, mental health has not yet seen the same progress.
People reported feeling good about their own mental health, but a lot were worried about the health of others. People also discussed the effect that poor economic conditions have on their mental wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
1. Need help?
One of the most crucial steps to take when you're experiencing mental health issues is to seek assistance. It can be a challenge but it's essential for your wellbeing. There are many ways to seek help, such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. Each treatment is different and therefore it is important to find the best option for you.
The first step in seeking help is to recognize that you or someone you know has mental health issues. It is crucial to act when you notice a shift in the way you perceive, thinks or is feeling. Often, this means talking to them and asking for help. You might also think about joining a support group. This can be beneficial in locating people who are able to understand what you're experiencing.
It's also important to discuss with your family and friends about your feelings. They could be an ear to listen and even refer you to professionals. Talking about your thoughts is a great method to reduce anxiety and gain a fresh perspective on your life.
Mental health issues can trigger many symptoms. These can range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. The severity of these disorders differs from person to person making it difficult to know when something is a natural reaction to a stressful situation or a sign of a serious illness.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person's daily life. They can impact everything from relationships and work to their overall wellbeing and happiness. They can also have an enormous impact on your physical health. For instance, those with mental health problems are more likely to have medically unexplained physical symptoms.
In recent years, there has been a change in the way we view mental health. private mental health diagnosis is becoming less stigmatized and more people seek treatment. Getting help is a step towards a healthier, happier and more productive lifestyle. The best way to begin is to talk to a primary care physician. They can suggest a qualified psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist who is specialized in mental issues.
2. Keeping it up
A multitude of tragic stories in the news, high-profile campaigns and a growing awareness have given mental health problems the importance they merit. However, we still have a long way go before mental and physical health are given equal importance in the UK.
In England Mental healthcare services are not ringfenced and are therefore subject to the same funding pressures as acute/physical health care services. It has led to anecdotal evidence suggesting that the same level disinvestment is taking place, but proof is difficult to find. The absence of consolidated information on the state of local services as well as the fact that the most important performance indicators are similar across the entire system (e.g. the maximum waiting time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) apply to both physical and mental health, yet are treated differently when it is determining an appropriate budget and monitoring availability and quality.
To tackle this issue, a new approach to building mental resilience is required. This should be facilitated by local people who are comfortable with their communities, including faith-based groups and community groups. These groups will need to be supported and facilitated with the right training, resources and assistance to enhance their role in promoting mental wellbeing across all age groups.
The GPs must also be equipped with the tools they need to provide regular check-ins that aren't burdened by the demand. They could then connect patients to evidence-based self-management guidance and peer support. This will help reduce the strain on the NHS in general and allow for more capacity within mental health services.
Additionally, the general public should be encouraged to take on a more active role in their own well-being by deciding the way they spend their time, making healthier lifestyle choices and seeking support when they need it. This could include volunteering, participating in community events, or fundraising for local mental health charities as well as through attending or organising workplace health events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
In terms of mental health, the UK is a world leader. But there is still much work to be completed. There are still many people who suffer from mental health problems but don't seek help due to the stigma attached. In fact, they often wait until their symptoms get severe before seeking medical treatment. This could lead to a longer period of suffering, more expensive treatment and a higher risk of developing life-threatening conditions like heart disease or cancer.
The positive side is that mental health care has come a long way since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly and treatment options are more advanced. There is much to be done and stigma remains a major barrier.
The pressure on services increases as the number of people suffering from mental health problems increases. The government is committed to investing an additional PS2.3 billion a year to expand and transform services across the country. This will allow 2 million people to get help and improve outcomes.
More is also being done to address the disparity in funding between physical and mental health, and also tackle the barriers that hinder people from accessing help. For example, a new fund is being created to provide culturally-appropriate advocacy services for people from minority communities, and a national programme is being developed to support the training of frontline staff in mental health.
Plans are also being made to create a special network in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the number of general ambulance calls for patients in crisis and increase the response time and care for those who have mental health issues. The government is also extending its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by another PS7 million to decrease waiting times and increase the number of people who receive help.
If you are struggling, there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or visit a local branch. They offer free, confidential and non-judgemental support for anyone suffering from emotional suffering. They are accessible 24 hours a day and can be reached by telephone, email or letter.
4. Taking action
It's crucial to take action whenever you're worried about your mental well-being. The right support can help you to stay healthy and well.
One in four people in the UK will suffer from mental illness at some moment in their lives but it's important to know that you can recover from many mental health problems. Most mental health issues are not severe and temporary and can be managed by a physician with medication. Certain conditions, such as anxiety and depression are a result of life-changing circumstances, like grieving over a loss, or a breakup in an intimate relationship. Stress at work could also be a contributing factor.
We can all do things to improve our mental health, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, being physically active and learning how to manage stress. Everyone's needs vary, and sometimes we need additional assistance. This can include talking therapies, occupational therapists or medication.
There are a myriad of organizations and support services to help with various issues, including addictions, debts, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward overview of the goals of the government's mental health services. It is our responsibility to help make those goals a reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights investing in the mental health of children and young people is vital. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health expenditure and funding is an issue of lottery.
Prevention is increasingly at the heart of the work of health and social care providers to improve the mental wellbeing of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together over 140 organizations in the social and health care sectors that have committed to making prevention of mental illness their primary goal.
The NHS has stated that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health, and also the gap between mental and physical healthcare. However, there is still a lot to do. We must change the mental health and how we discuss it. We must break down the barriers that divide us and to create an environment where people value mental wellbeing just as they value physical wellbeing.