Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was first introduced 70 years ago, physical health has seen medical advancements and treatments that are at no cost when in need. Mental health hasn't seen the same advancements.
Many people reported feeling good about their mental health, but were worried that others might not. They also discussed the effects of economic hardship on their mental health and that of others.
1. Getting help
One of the most important actions to take when you're experiencing mental health issues is to seek out help. It's crucial to seek assistance regardless of whether it's difficult. There are many options to seek help, including therapies, lifestyle changes, and medications. Each treatment is unique and you must choose the best one for your particular situation.
Recognizing that you or someone else you know is suffering from a mental illness is the first step to seeking assistance. If you notice changes in the way someone you know is feeling, thinks or behaves it's essential to act. In most cases, this means speaking to them and seeking help. You may also consider joining a support group, which could be beneficial in locating others who know what you're going through.
It's also important to talk with friends and family about your feelings. They can offer an ear to listen and could be capable of referring you to an expert. Talking about your emotions is a great way to reduce anxiety and gain a new perspective on your life.
People with mental health issues can suffer from many different symptoms, ranging from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of these issues can vary from one person to another, making it hard to tell if something is a natural reaction to stress or the sign of an illness that is serious.
Mental illnesses can have a huge impact on a person's daily life. They can impact everything from their work and relationships to their overall wellbeing and happiness. Additionally, they may influence their physical health. People with mental health issues are more likely than others to have physical symptoms that aren't medically explained.
In recent years there has been a shift in our perception of mental health. The stigma associated with mental illness is diminishing, and more people are seeking treatment. Finding help is a step towards a healthier, happier and more productive life. It is best to begin by consulting your primary doctor. They can usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist or a professional counselor who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
A multitude of tragic stories in the news, high-profile campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health problems the attention they deserve. We still have a way to go before physical and mental health issues in the UK are treated equally.
In England Mental healthcare services aren't ringfenced and are therefore under the same funding pressures as acute/physical health services. This has led to some reports of the same level of disinvestment is happening, but evidence on this is hard to come by. The absence of consolidated information about 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 wait time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) are applicable to both physical and mental health, but are interpreted differently when it is determining the budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To tackle this issue, a new method is required to build mental health resilience, and this should be facilitated at the local level by those who are the best in their communities - such as faith-based groups, community groups, local charities, children's groups and community-based peer support groups. These groups must be supported and assisted with the right training, resources and support to grow their role in creating mental health for all age groups.
GPs must also be provided the resources to offer regular check-ins that are not overburdened with demand and can connect patients to self-management guidance or peer support. This will help reduce the burden on the NHS in general and increase the capacity within mental health services.
The public should be encouraged to take an active role in their own health by taking control of their leisure time, pursuing healthier lifestyles and seeking assistance whenever needed. This could be done by volunteering, taking part in community events, or fundraising for local mental health charities as well as by organising or attending workplace health events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
The UK is a world leader in the world when it comes to mental health. There is plenty of work to be done. There are many who suffer from mental health issues but do not seek help because of the stigma. In fact, they often wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical treatment. This could lead to a longer period of suffering, more expensive treatment and greater risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental healthcare has come a long way since the NHS was launched 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly and the treatment options are now more advanced. There is much to be done and stigma is a major obstacle.
The demand for services rises as the number of patients suffering from mental health issues increases. The government is committing to investing an additional PS2.3 billion annually to expand and transform services across the nation. This will allow 2 million more people who can access assistance and improve healthcare outcomes.
There is also more being taken to address the gap in the amount of money allocated to physical and mental health, as well as 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 plans to introduce an array of specially-trained mental health ambulances. This will cut down on the number of general ambulance calls for patients in crisis, and will improve response time and care for those with 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 times and increase the number who receive support.
If you are having a hard time, there is always 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 distress. They are available by phone, email or by letter all hours of the day.
4. Taking action
If you're concerned about your mental health, it's crucial to take action. The right help can keep you healthy and well.
One out of four people in UK will experience mental illness at some time in their lives, but it's important to know that you can recover from the majority of mental health problems. The majority of them are short-term, mild and can be treated with medication from an GP. Some, such as depression and anxiety, may be a result of difficult life events like bereavement or a breakup in a relationship, however stress at work can also cause them.
We can all take steps to ensure our mental health and wellbeing, such as eating an appropriate diet, getting enough rest and exercising, as well as taking control of stress. Each person's needs differ and, at times, we require additional help. This could be through occupational therapy, talking therapies or medications.
There are numerous charities and support services available to assist with a variety of issues, such as housing, debts, addictions and eating disorders. The government has set out its aspirations for the mental health services in the Five Year Forward View, but it's our responsibility to ensure that those goals become reality.
Investing in the mental health of children and young people's health, as stated in the Time for Action report, is essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind spending on adult mental health and funding is an issue of lottery.
Prevention is increasingly 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 that brings more than 140 organizations from the health and social care sectors that have agreed to an agreement to make the prevention of mental illness a top priority.
private ocd assessment has stated that it is dedicated to addressing the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health, and also the gap between mental and physical health care. There is still a lot to be done. We need to change the way we think about mental health and the way we discuss it. We must eliminate the barriers that continue to divide us and to create a society in which people value mental health just as they value physical wellbeing.