Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, physical health has seen improvements in medical science and treatments, free at the point of need. Mental health has not seen the same advancements.
Many reported feeling great about their mental health, but concerned that others might not. They also discussed the impact of economic hardship on their own and others' mental wellbeing.
1. Get assistance
The first step towards taking care of your mental health. It is crucial to seek help even if the situation is difficult. There are many ways to seek help, including therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Each treatment is different, so you should find the best one for your particular situation.
Recognizing that you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness is the first step towards getting help. It's important to act if you notice a change in how you perceive, thinks or feels. Often, this means talking to them and seeking help. You may also want to consider joining a support group, which could help you find others who are able to understand what you're experiencing.
It's also important to talk with your family and friends about how you feel. They can be an understanding ear and could even refer you to professionals. In addition, talking about your emotions can be a method of relief from stress, and it can help you see the bigger picture of the current situation in your life.
People with mental health issues may experience a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of mental health issues differs from person to. It can be difficult to determine if a sign is an ordinary reaction to a stressful situation or an indication that an illness of serious severity has developed.
Mental illnesses can have a huge impact on a person's everyday life. Mental illness can have a huge impact on the daily life, from their job to their relationships to their happiness and overall wellbeing. In addition, they can influence their physical health. People who have mental health issues are more likely than others to have physical symptoms that are not medically accounted for.
In recent years there is a shift in the perception of mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Self-care is the first step towards a happier, healthier life. It is recommended to start by talking to your primary care doctor. They can recommend a professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up!
A myriad of tragic news stories, high profile campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health issues the importance they merit. However, we have a long way to be before physical and mental health are given equal importance in the UK.
In England, mental health services are not ring-fenced and are not subject to the same pressures as acute or physical healthcare services in terms of funding. This has led to reports that a similar disinvestment levels are happening, but evidence on this is hard to locate. Attempts to identify such trends have been hindered by the absence of consolidated data regarding the overall state of local services and due to the fact that the same system-wide key performance indicators (e.g. The maximum referral time from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This is applicable 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. it must be led at the local level by people who are familiar with their communities including faith-based groups, community groups local charities, children's organizations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will have to be supported and assisted with the proper training, resources, and assistance to enhance their role in creating mental health for all age groups.
Doctors should also be provided with the resources they require to offer regular check-ins, that aren't burdened by the demand. They can then link patients to evidence-based self-management guidance and peer assistance. This will help reduce the pressure on the NHS as a whole and increase the capacity in mental health services.
The general public must be encouraged to take more actively in their own health by taking control of their leisure time, pursuing healthier lifestyles and seeking assistance when they need it. This could be through volunteering, taking part in community events and fundraising for local mental health charities and by organizing workplace health activities like mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
The UK is a world leader in the world in terms of mental health. But there is much work to be accomplished. There are still many people who have mental health issues but are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma. In reality, they typically wait until their symptoms get severe before seeking medical assistance. This can lead to a longer period of suffering, greater costs and increased risk of life-threatening illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Mental illness is now being discussed more openly and treatment options are now more advanced. But there is still more to be done, and stigma remains a significant barrier.
listen to this podcast on services increases as the number of people suffering from mental health problems increases. The government is committing to investing an extra PS2.3 billion per year to expand and transform services across the nation. This will support 2 million more people who can access assistance and improve healthcare outcomes.
There is also a greater effort being made to tackle the inequality in funding between physical and mental 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.
Plans are also being developed to create a special network in mental health ambulances. This will decrease the number of general ambulance calls for people in crisis and increase the response time and care for those who have mental health needs. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7million to reduce waiting times and increase the number of people who receive help.
There is always someone who can help you if you are struggling. You can call the Samaritans by calling 116 123, or visit one of their local branches. They provide free, confidential and non-judgmental assistance to anyone in emotional distress. They are available 24/7 and can be reached via email, phone or letter.
4. Insisting on action
If you're concerned about your mental health, it's important to take action. The right support can help keep you in good health and well.
One of four people in the UK will experience mental illness at some time in their lives, but it's important to remember that you can recover from the majority of mental health issues. Most mental health issues are mild and short-term, and can be treated by a doctor with medication. Certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety, may be a result of difficult life events, such as bereavement, or a breakup in a relationship, but stress at work can also contribute to them.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health and well-being by eating healthy, having a balanced diet, sleeping enough, being active and taking control of stress. Everyone's needs vary and, at times, we require additional help. This can include occupational therapists, speech therapy or medications.
There is also a wide array of support and charity services that can help with a variety of issues, including addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward perspective outlines the government's aspirations for mental health services. It is our responsibility to make those dreams a reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights that investing in the mental health of children and young people is essential. But, spending by the public on CAMHS is currently lagging behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a postcode lottery.
Prevention is increasingly at the heart of the work of social and health care providers to improve the mental wellbeing of their communities. This is reflected by the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organisations in the social and health care sectors that have pledged to making prevention of mental illness their primary goal.
The NHS has stated that it is determined to address the stigma and inequalities that surround mental health, as well as the gap between physical and mental healthcare. There is still much to be done. We need to change the way we think about mental health and how we discuss it. We need to break down the barriers that continue to divide us, and create a culture where mental health is valued as much as physical health.