Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, medical advancements and treatments have been made available for free to people in need. But mental health is yet to see the same advancements.
Many reported feeling satisfied with their own mental health, however many were worried that others weren't. People also discussed the impact that poor economic conditions have on their mental wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
1. Get help
Finding help is the first step to taking care of your mental health. It is crucial to seek help regardless of whether it's difficult. There are many ways to seek help, including therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Each treatment is different, so you should find the one that is most effective for your situation.
Recognizing that you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness is the first step in getting assistance. It is crucial to act when you notice a change in the way someone you know acts, thinks or feels. This could mean speaking to the person and asking assistance. Joining a support network can help you connect with people who can relate to your situation.
It is also essential to speak with family and friends about how you feel. They may be able to lend a sympathetic ear and could be capable of referring you to an expert. Talking about your emotions is a great way to ease stress and gain a new perspective on your life.
Mental health issues can cause a variety of symptoms. These range from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of these problems varies widely from one person to another making it difficult to know when it is a natural response to stress or the sign of an illness that is serious.
Mental illness can have a profound impact on a person's daily life. They can impact everything from their work and relationships to their overall wellbeing and happiness. Additionally, they could influence their physical health. For example, people with mental health problems are more likely to suffer from undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent years, there has been a shift in our perception of mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized and more people seek treatment. Making yourself more comfortable is the first step to a happier, healthier life. It is recommended to begin by talking to your primary care doctor. They may recommend a specialist counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
Mental health issues are finally getting the attention they deserve. A multitude of tragic news stories and well-known campaigns, as well as increasing awareness have brought them to the forefront. We have a long way to go until physical and mental health in the UK are treated equally.
In England, mental healthcare services are not ringfenced, and are therefore subject to the same funding pressures as acute or physical health care services. It has given rise to a few instances of evidence that the same level disinvestment is occurring, but hard evidence is difficult to come by. The absence of consolidated information on the state of local services and the fact that the most important performance indicators are the same for the entire system (e.g. The maximum referral time from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This applies to both psychological and physical health. However, the budget and monitoring of availability of services and quality are different.
To address this, a new approach is needed to building mental health resilience. this must be led at the local level by those who are familiar with their communities - such as faith-based groups, community groups, local charities, children's groups and community-based peer support groups. These groups will need to be supported and guided by the right training, resources and support to develop their role in creating mental health for all age groups.
GPs must also be provided the tools to provide regular check-ins that aren't overwhelmed by demand and are able to connect patients to self-management advice or peer support. This will ease the pressure on the NHS in general and increase the capacity within mental health services.
The public should also be encouraged to play more actively in their own wellbeing by taking charge of their leisure time, adopting healthier choices and seeking help when needed. This can be accomplished by volunteering, participating in local events, and raising money for mental health charities as in addition to attending or coordinating workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness classes.
3. Take control
The UK is a leading country in the world in terms of mental healthcare. But there is still much work to be done. Many people with mental health issues don't seek help because of the stigma associated with them. They usually wait until their symptoms are severe before seeking medical help. This could lead to prolonged suffering, greater costs and increased risk of life-threatening conditions like heart disease or cancer.
The good news is that mental healthcare has made significant progress since the NHS was created 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly and 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 suffering from mental health problems continues to increase, pressure on services is growing. The government has pledged to invest PS2.3 billion per year to expand and improve mental health services across the country. This will enable 2 million people to receive help and improve outcomes.
There is also work being taken to address the gap in the amount of money allocated to physical and mental health, as well the obstacles that prevent people from getting 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 introduce a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance calls for people in crisis and improve response times and treatment for those suffering from mental health needs. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7 million to cut down on waiting times and increase the number who receive treatment.
If you're struggling you can always find someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit a local branch. They provide free, confidential and non-judgmental help to anyone who is in emotional trouble. They are available 24 hours a day and can be contacted by email, phone or letter.
4. Taking action
If you're concerned about your mental health, it's crucial to act. The right support can help keep you healthy and happy.
One out of four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point in their lifetime. But, it is important to remember that many mental health issues are solvable. The majority of them are short-term, mild and can be treated with medication administered by a GP. Some, such as depression and anxiety, could be a result of difficult life events such as bereavement or a breakup in a relationship. However, stress at work can also contribute to these.
We can all take steps to look after our mental health and well-being, such as eating healthy, having a balanced diet, getting enough rest and exercising, as well as taking control of stress. But everyone's needs are different and sometimes, we require more assistance. This could include talking therapies, occupational therapists or medication.
There are numerous charities and support services available to assist people with various problems, including addictions, debts, housing and eating disorders. The government has set out its aspirations for the mental health service in the Five Year Forward View however it is our responsibility to ensure that these aspirations are realized.
As private ptsd assessment for Action Report highlights that investing in the mental health of children and young people is essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health expenditure and funding is a lottery.
Health and social care professionals are increasing putting prevention at center of their efforts to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together more than 140 organisations from the social and health care sector who have signed up to an agreement to make preventing mental illness a top priority.
The NHS has declared that it is firmly dedicated to addressing stigma and inequalities in mental health and the gap between physical and mental health care. But, there's much to be done. We need to change the way that we think and talk about mental health. We must remove the barriers that continue to divide us, and create a culture where mental health is valued just as physical well-being.