Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, physical health has seen improvements in medical science and treatments, free at the point of need. Mental health hasn't seen the same improvements.
Many reported feeling positive about their mental health, but worried that other people might not. People also discussed the impact that poor economic conditions have on their own mental wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of others.
1. Need help?
The first step towards taking care of your mental health. This can be difficult, but it's vital for your health. There are a variety of methods to seek assistance, including therapy and lifestyle changes. Each treatment is different, so it's important to find the best option for you.
The first step to seek help is recognizing that you or someone you know suffers from a mental health problem. If you notice a change in the way that someone you know thinks, feels or acts, it's important to act. Often, this means talking to them and asking for help. You may also consider joining a support group. This can help you find others who understand what you're going through.
It is also advisable to talk to your family and acquaintances about how you're feeling. They could be an ear to listen and even recommend you to an expert. Talking about your emotions is a great way to relieve anxiety and gain a new perspective on your life.
Mental health issues can trigger various symptoms. These can range from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. The severity of mental health issues differs from person to. It is difficult to determine if a symptom is an ordinary reaction to a stressful situation or an indication that there is a serious illness that is developing.
Mental illness can have a profound impact on a person's everyday life. They can impact everything from their work and relationships to their overall wellbeing and happiness. In addition, they can affect their physical health. People who have mental health issues are more likely to have physical symptoms that aren't medically explained.
In recent times there has been an evolution in the way we view mental health. Mental illness is becoming less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Helping yourself is the first step towards a happier, healthier life. It is best to begin by talking to your primary physician. They can suggest a qualified counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
A myriad of tragic news stories, high profile campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health problems the attention they deserve. But, we have a long way to go before mental and physical health are given equal importance in the UK.
In England, mental healthcare services aren't ringfenced and are therefore under the same funding pressures as acute or physical health care services. This has led to anecdotal reports that a similar disinvestment levels are happening, but evidence on this is hard to locate. The attempts to determine these trends have been hampered by the absence of consolidated data on the overall condition of local services and due to the fact that the same system wide key performance indicators (e.g. the maximum waiting time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) are applicable to both physical and mental health, but are treated differently when it is determining an appropriate budget and monitoring availability and quality.
To tackle this issue an innovative method of building mental resilience is required. This must be led by local people who are a part of their communities, for instance community groups and faith groups. These groups must be supported and assisted with the appropriate training, resources and support to develop their role in creating mental wellbeing across all age groups.
GPs must also be given the resources to provide regular check-ins, which are not overwhelmed by demand and are able to connect patients to self-management advice or peer assistance. This will help reduce the strain on the NHS in general and allow for more capacity within the mental health services.
Additionally, the general public should be encouraged to take on a more active part in their own wellbeing by taking control of how they spend their leisure time and implementing healthier lifestyle choices and seeking support when they need it. This could be done by volunteering, participating in local events and fundraising for mental health charities as and also by organizing or attending workplace health events like mindfulness classes.
3. Taking control
The UK is a leader in the world in terms of mental health. There is a lot of work to be done. Many people with mental health issues don't seek help because of the stigma that surrounds them. They usually wait until their symptoms are severe before seeking medical help. This can result in an extended period of suffering, more expensive costs, and a greater risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS was launched 70 years ago. Mental illness is now being discussed more openly and treatment options are more advanced. However, there is much to be done, and the stigma remains a significant barrier.
The demand for services rises as the number of people suffering from mental health issues increases. The government has committed to investing an additional PS2.3 billion a year to expand and improve services across the nation. This will enable 2 million more people to access assistance and improve health outcomes.
There is also a greater effort being made to tackle the inequality in funding between mental and physical health, and also remove the barriers that block people from accessing assistance. 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.
There are also plans to introduce a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will reduce the number of general ambulance calls for those 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 an additional PS7 million to reduce waiting times and increase the number of people receiving help.
There is always someone who can help you if you are struggling. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or visit a local branch. They provide free, non-judgemental and confidential assistance to anyone suffering from emotional anxiety. They are available via email, phone or by letter 24 hours a days.
4. Take action
It's crucial to take action when you're concerned about your mental health. Suggested Reading can keep you healthy and happy.
One of four people in the UK will experience mental illness at some point in their lives, but it's important to know that you can recover from many mental health issues. Most are mild, short-term and can be treated with medication by your doctor. Some conditions, like depression and anxiety can be a result of difficult life circumstances, like grieving over a loss or a breakup in a relationship. Stress at work could also be a contributing factor.
We can all take steps to ensure our mental health and well-being by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and being active, as well as learning how to manage stress. Each person's needs differ and at times, we may require additional assistance. This could include things like talking therapies, occupational therapy or medications.
There are also many organizations and support services to assist with a variety of problems, including addictions, debts, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward overview of the goals of the government's mental health services. It is up to us to help make those goals become a reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights investing in the mental health of children and young adults is essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health expenditure and funding is a lottery.
Health and social care professionals are increasingly putting prevention at the top of their agendas to improve the mental health of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health, which brings more than 140 organizations from the social and health care sector that have signed up to a shared commitment to make prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has declared that it is firmly dedicated to addressing stigma and inequalities in mental health and the gap between mental and physical health care. There is still a lot to be done. We must change the way that we think and discuss mental health. We must break down the barriers that divide us and create an environment where mental health is as important as physical health.