Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, physical health has seen advances in medical technology and treatments that are free at the point of need. Mental health has not had the same benefits.
The majority of respondents reported feeling positive about their mental health, but a lot were concerned that others weren't. They also discussed the effect of economic downturns on their own and others' mental health.
1. Get help
One of the most crucial steps to take when you're experiencing mental health issues is to seek assistance. additional reading to seek assistance, even if it is difficult. There are many methods to seek assistance with therapy, such as lifestyle modifications. Each treatment is different and you must choose the best one for your situation.
The first step in seeking help is to recognize that you or someone you know has a mental health problem. It's crucial to act if you notice a shift in how someone you know acts, thinks or is feeling. This often means talking to the person concerned and asking for their assistance. You might also think about joining a support group. This can be beneficial in locating others who know what you're going through.
It's also important to discuss with your family and friends about how you feel. They can be a sympathetic ear and may even recommend you to a professional. Additionally, discussing your feelings can be a way of stress relief, and it will help you gain perspective on the current situation in your life.
Mental health issues can cause many symptoms. They range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of these issues can vary from person to person and it can be difficult to know when something is a natural response to a stressful situation or the sign of an illness that is more serious.
Mental illnesses can have an enormous impact on the daily life. They can impact everything from their relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. In addition, they can affect their physical health. For example, people with mental health problems are more likely to suffer from undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent years there is a shift in our perception of mental health. Mental illness is becoming less stigmatized and more people seek treatment. Getting mental assessment is a step towards a happier, healthier and more productive life. The best way to start is to consult an primary health care provider. They are usually able to recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist, or professional counselor who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
Mental health issues are finally receiving the attention they deserve. Numerous tragic stories in the news and well-known campaigns, as well as growing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. But, we have a long way to be before physical and mental health are given equal importance in the UK.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ring-fenced, and therefore are not subject to the same pressures as acute or physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. It has led to a few instances of evidence that the same level of disinvestment is taking place, but evidence is difficult to come by. The attempts to determine these trends are slowed by a lack of data aggregation on the overall condition of local services, and by the fact that the same system wide key performance indicators (e.g. a 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 is determining an appropriate budget and monitoring availability and quality.
To address this, a new method is required to build mental health resilience. it must be led at the local level by those who know their communities best - such as religious groups, community groups local charities, children's organisations and community-based peer support groups. These groups require the proper training and facilitation, along with resources and support to contribute in developing mental wellness across all age groups.
GPs should also be equipped with the tools they need to conduct regular check-ins which are not overburdened by the demand. They can then link people to evidence-based self-management advice and peer assistance. This will ease the pressure put on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more effective.
The general public should be encouraged to take an active role in their own health by taking control of their leisure time, pursuing healthier choices and seeking help when needed. This could include volunteering, participating in community events, or fundraising for local mental health charities, or by organising or attending workplace health events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Controlling the situation
The UK is a leading country in the world when it comes to mental healthcare. There is plenty of work to be done. Many people who suffer from mental health issues still do not seek help due to the stigma that surrounds them. In fact, they often wait until their symptoms become more severe before seeking medical treatment. This could lead to prolonged suffering, more expensive expenses, and a higher risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease or cancer.
The positive side is that mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS was created 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly and treatment options are now more advanced. However, there's still a lot to be done, and stigma of mental illness remains a significant obstacle.
The pressure on services grows as the number of people suffering from mental health issues increases. The government has promised to invest an additional PS2.3 billion per year to improve and transform mental health services across the country. This will enable 2 million people to get assistance and improve outcomes.
There is also more being done to address the disparity in funding between mental and physical health, as well the obstacles that prevent people from getting 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.
Plans are also being made to establish a network that is specialized in mental health ambulances. This will decrease the number of general ambulance calls for patients in crisis, and will improve service and response times for those who have 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 time and increase the number who receive help.
There is always someone to assist you if you're struggling. You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit one of their local branches. They provide free, non-judgmental and confidential assistance to anyone suffering from emotional stress. They are available 24 hours a day and can be reached via mail, telephone or email.
4. Taking action
It's crucial to take action if you're worried about your mental health. The proper support can help you to stay healthy and well.
One of four people will suffer from mental illness in the UK at some point during their life. However, it's important to remember that many mental health problems can be overcome. Most mental health issues are not severe and temporary and can be addressed by a physician with medication. Some, such as depression and anxiety, may be a result of stressful life events such as bereavement or a break-up in a relationship, however stress at work may contribute to these.
We can all take steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing, such as eating an appropriate diet, getting enough rest and being active, as well as learning how to manage stress. But every person's needs are unique and sometimes, we require more help. This could be through talking therapies, occupational therapists or medications.
There's also a wide range of charities and support services that can assist with a myriad of issues, including addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward view outlines the goals of the government for mental health services. It is up to us 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 spending on adult mental health and funding is a lottery.
Prevention is becoming the heart of the work of health and social care providers to improve the mental wellbeing of their communities. This is reflected by the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together over 140 organizations in the social and health care sectors that have pledged to making the prevention of mental illness their primary goal.
The NHS has made it clear that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities in mental health, as well as the gap between physical and mental health care. There is still much to be done. We must alter the way that we think and talk about mental health. We must remove the barriers that continue to divide us, and build a culture where mental health is as important as physical wellbeing.