Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, medical advancements and treatments have been made available free of charge to those in need. But mental health is not yet seen the same kind of progress.
Many people reported feeling good about their mental health, but concerned that others might not be as well. People also discussed the impact of economic hardship on their mental health and the wellbeing of others.
1. Helping yourself
The first step towards taking care of your mental health. It's crucial to seek assistance regardless of whether it's difficult. There are many options to get help, including therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Each treatment is unique, so you should find the best one for your situation.
Recognizing that you or someone else you know is suffering from a mental illness is the first step to seeking assistance. It's crucial to act if you notice a shift in how you or someone else around you thinks or is feeling. In most cases, this means speaking to them and asking for help. Joining a support group could assist you in finding others who can relate to your situation.
It is also advisable to talk to your family and friends about how you are feeling. They can lend a sympathetic ear, and they may be capable of referring you to an expert. Talking about your thoughts is a great method to relieve stress and gain a new perspective on your life.
Mental health issues can lead to various symptoms. These range from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. The severity of mental health issues is different from person to. It is difficult to determine whether a symptom is a normal reaction to a stressful event or an indication that an illness of serious severity has developed.
Mental illness can have an enormous impact on a person's daily life. They can affect everything from their relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. They can also have a significant impact on your physical health. People with mental health issues are more likely to suffer from physical symptoms that are not medically accounted for.
In recent years there has been a change in the perception of mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized and more people seek treatment. Receiving help is a positive step towards a healthier, happier, more productive life. The best way to begin is to consult a primary care physician. They can suggest a qualified counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in mental issues.
2. Keep it up
Mental health issues are finally receiving the attention they deserve. A multitude of tragic stories in the news and high-profile campaigns, along with growing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. We have a long to go before mental and physical health issues in the UK are treated equally.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ringfenced, and are therefore subject to the same financial pressures as acute/physical health care services. This has led to anecdotal evidence that the same level of disinvestment is happening, however hard proof is difficult to find. In attempts to discern these trends, they have been hindered by the lack of comprehensive data on the overall condition of local services, as well as by the fact that the same systemwide key performance indicators (e.g. the maximum waiting time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) are applicable to both mental and physical health, but are treated differently when it comes to defining an appropriate budget and monitoring availability and quality.
To address this issue, a new method of building mental resilience is required. This should be led by local people who are comfortable with their communities, for instance community groups and faith groups. These groups will require the appropriate training and facilitation, as well as support and resources to contribute to improving mental health across all age groups.
GPs must also be given the resources to provide regular check-ins that aren't overloaded by demand and can connect patients to self-management advice or peer support. This will ease the pressure placed on the NHS and will allow mental health services to be more efficient.
The general public should also be encouraged to play an active role in their own health by taking charge of their leisure time, pursuing healthier lifestyles and seeking help whenever needed. This can be done through volunteering, participating in local events, and raising money for mental health charities as and also by organizing or attending workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness classes.
3. Take control
When it comes to mental health, the UK is the world's leader. However, there is a lot of work to be accomplished. There are many who suffer from mental health problems but are hesitant to seek help due to the stigma attached. In reality, they usually wait until their symptoms get severe before seeking medical treatment. This could lead to prolonged suffering, higher costs and increased risk of life-threatening diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental health has gotten better since the NHS was launched over 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly and the treatment options are now more advanced. There is still a lot to be done, and stigma is a major obstacle.
As the number of people with mental health issues continues to rise and the demand on services is increasing. The government is committing to investing an extra PS2.3 billion per year to improve and expand services across the country. This will support 2 million more people who can access help and improve care and outcomes.
A lot is being done to address the gap in funding between physical and mental health, and to address the barriers that prevent 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.
There are also plans to create a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will decrease the number of general ambulance calls for patients in crisis and improve service and response times for those suffering from mental health problems. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7 million, which will help reduce waiting time and increase the number of people who receive treatment.
If you're having a hard time, there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123, or visit one of their local branches. They provide free, non-judgemental and confidential support to anyone who is suffering from emotional stress. They are available by phone, email or by letter all hours of the day.
4. Moving forward
It's crucial to take action when you're concerned about your mental health. The right support can help you get well and stay healthy.
One out of four people in UK will suffer from mental illness at some moment in their lives however, it's important to keep in mind that you can recover from many mental health problems. Most mental health issues are mild and short-term and can be addressed by a doctor with medication. Some, such as depression and anxiety, may be a result of difficult life events such as bereavement or a break-up in a relationship, but stress at work can also cause these.
We can all take steps to ensure our mental health and well-being, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercising, as well as learning how to manage stress. Each person's needs differ and at times, we may require assistance. This could include talking therapies, occupational therapists or medication.
There are also mental health assessment report and support services available to help with various problems, including housing, debts, addictions and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward perspective outlines the goals of the government's mental health services. It is up to us to make those dreams into reality.
Insuring youngsters and young people's mental health, as stated in the Time for Action report, is vital. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health expenditure and funding is a lottery.
Prevention is now at the core of the work of social and health care providers to improve the mental health of their communities. This is reflected in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together more than 140 organisations from the social and health care sectors that have agreed to an agreement to make prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has made clear that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities that surround mental health, as well as the gap between mental and physical healthcare. There is still a lot to be done. We must change the way we think and speak about mental health. We must break down the barriers that divide us and to create a society in which people are concerned about mental wellbeing just as they value physical wellbeing.