Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, medical advances and treatments have been made available free of charge to those in need. Mental health has not seen the same advancements.
Many people reported feeling good about their mental health, but were worried that other people might not. They also discussed the effects that economic challenges have on their mental wellbeing and that of others.
1. Get help
One of the most crucial steps when you're experiencing mental health issues is seeking for help. This can be a difficult task but it's essential for your well-being. There are many methods to seek assistance with therapy, such as lifestyle modifications. Each treatment is unique, so it's important to determine what works best for you.
The first step in getting help is to recognize that you or someone you know suffers from a mental health problem. If you notice a change in the way someone you know is feeling, thinks or behaves it's essential to take action. Often, this means talking to them and seeking help. Joining a support network can help you find others who can relate to your situation.
It is also essential to speak with friends and family about your feelings. They can lend an understanding ear and could even recommend you to professionals. Talking about your emotions is a great way to reduce anxiety and gain a new perspective on your life.
Mental health issues can lead to a variety of symptoms. They range from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. The severity of these disorders can vary from individual to individual and it can be difficult to tell if something is a natural response to stress or a sign of an illness that is serious.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person's everyday life. They can affect everything from their relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. They can also have a major impact on your physical health. People who suffer from mental health issues are more likely than other people to suffer from physical symptoms that aren't medically explained.
In recent times there has been a shift in the way we look at mental health. Mental illness is becoming less stigmatized and more people seek treatment. Finding mental assessment is a step towards a healthier, happier and more productive life. It is recommended to start by speaking with your primary physician. They may recommend a specialist counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental issues.
2. Keep it up!
A multitude of tragic news stories, high profile campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health issues the importance they merit. But, we have a long way to get to where physical and mental health are considered equal priorities in the UK.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ring-fenced and so are subject to the same pressures that affect acute and physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. It has led to a few instances of evidence that the same level disinvestment is happening, however hard evidence is hard to come by. The attempts to determine these trends have been hampered by a lack of consolidated data on the overall state of local services, as well as 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 applies to both physical and psychological health. However the budget and monitoring of service availability and quality are distinct.
To tackle this issue a new approach to building mental resilience is required. This should be facilitated by local people who are familiar with their communities, including community groups and faith groups. These groups will need to be supported and assisted with the right training, resources and assistance to enhance their role in creating mental wellbeing across all age groups.
The GPs must also be provided with the resources they need to offer regular check-ins, which aren't overloaded by the demand. They can then link patients to self-management advice based on evidence and peer support. This will lessen the burden put on the NHS and enable mental health services to be more effective.
The public should also be encouraged to play a more active part in their own wellbeing by taking charge of their leisure time, choosing healthier lifestyles and seeking assistance when needed. This could be done by volunteering, attending 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 much work to be accomplished. Many people suffering from mental health issues still do not seek assistance due to the stigma attached to them. In fact, they often wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical assistance. This can lead to a longer period of suffering, greater costs and greater risk of life-threatening conditions like heart disease or cancer.
The positive side is that mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly, and treatment options are more sophisticated. However, there's still a lot to be done, and the stigma remains a significant barrier.
As the number of people suffering from mental health issues continues to rise and the demand on services is increasing. The government has pledged to invest PS2.3 billion annually to expand and transform mental health services in the country. This will allow 2 million people to receive assistance and improve outcomes.
More is also being done to address the disparity in funding between physical and mental health, and to 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 reduce the use of general ambulance calls for those in need, and improve response times and treatment for those suffering from mental health issues. The government is also extending its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by an additional PS7 million to reduce waiting times and increase the number of people receiving support.
If you're having a hard time there is always someone to talk to. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or visit a local branch. They provide free, non-judgemental and confidential support to those experiencing emotional distress. They are accessible via phone, email or by letter 24 hours a days.
4. Take action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's essential to act. The proper support can help you improve your health and remain healthy.
One of four people will suffer from mental illness in the UK at some point in their life. However, it's important to remember that most mental health issues can be resolved. Most mental health problems are not severe and temporary and can be addressed by a doctor with medication. Certain conditions, such as anxiety and depression are a result of life-changing circumstances, like the loss of a loved one or a breakup in a relationship. Stress at work can be a contributing to the cause.
We can all take steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and exercising, as well as learning how to manage stress. Everyone's needs vary, and sometimes we need additional help. This could include talking therapies, occupational therapists or medication.
There are a myriad of organizations and support services to assist with a variety of issues, including addictions, debt, housing and eating disorders. The government has set out its goals for the mental health system in the Five Year Forward View, but it's our responsibility to ensure that those goals become reality.
investing in mental health check of children and young people's health, as outlined by the Time for Action report, is crucial. But, spending by mental assessment on CAMHS is currently falling behind spending on adult mental health services. funding is a postcode lottery.
Prevention is becoming the center of the efforts 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 organizations from the social and health care sectors who have committed to making prevention of mental illness their priority.
The NHS has made clear that it is committed to addressing 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 need to change the way we think about mental health and the way we talk about it. We must eliminate the barriers that divide us and to build an environment where people value mental health just as they value physical wellbeing.