Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was first introduced 70 years ago, physical health has seen advances in medical technology and treatments that are at no cost when in need. But mental health has yet to see the same kind of progress.
Many reported feeling satisfied with their mental health, however many were concerned that others weren't. People also discussed the effect that poor economic conditions have on their mental wellbeing and that of others.
1. Getting help
One of the most crucial steps to take when you're struggling with mental health issues is seeking out help. It's important to seek help even if the situation is difficult. There are several ways to get assistance such as therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Each treatment is different, so it's important to find what works best for you.
The first step in seeking help is to recognize that you or someone you know suffers from mental health issues. If you notice a change in the way someone you know thinks, feels or acts, it's important to take action. In most cases, this means speaking to them and asking for help. Joining a support group could help you connect with people who can relate to your situation.
It's also important to discuss with family and friends about your feelings. book a mental health assessment can offer an ear to listen and may be able to refer you to an expert. Additionally, discussing your feelings can be a way of relief from stress, and it can help you see the bigger picture of the events in your life.
Mental health issues can trigger many symptoms. These range from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of these issues can vary from one person to another making it difficult to determine if it is a natural response to stress or an indication of an illness that is more serious.
Mental illnesses can have an enormous impact on a person's daily life. They can impact everything from their relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. Additionally, they may affect their physical health. People with mental health issues are more likely to have physical symptoms that are not medically explained.
In recent years, there has been a shift in our perception of mental health. Mental illness is now less stigmatized and more people seek treatment. Self-care is the first step to living a healthier, happier life. It is recommended to start by talking to your primary physician. They can recommend a professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in mental issues.
2. Keeping it up
Mental health issues are now receiving the attention they deserve. A myriad of tragic stories in the news and well-known campaigns, along with growing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. We still have a way to go before mental and physical health issues in the UK are treated equally.
In England, mental healthcare services are not ringfenced, and are therefore under the same funding pressures as acute/physical health care services. This has led to anecdotal evidence suggesting that the same level of disinvestment is happening, however hard proof is difficult to find. Attempts to identify such trends are slowed by the absence of consolidated data on the overall condition of local services, and due to the fact that the same systemwide key performance indicators (e.g. a maximum waiting time of 18 weeks to refer a patient from primary care to a specialist) are applicable to both mental and physical health, but are treated differently when it is time to define the budget and monitoring service 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 including faith-based groups, community groups, local charities, children's organisations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will need to be supported and facilitated with the proper training, resources, and support to develop their role in creating mental wellbeing across all age groups.
GPs must also be given the resources to offer regular check-ins that aren't overloaded by demand and are able to connect patients to evidence-based self-management advice or peer support. This will ease the pressure put on the NHS and will allow mental health services to be more effective.
Additionally, the general public should be encouraged to play a more active part in their own well-being by taking control of the way they spend their time and making healthier lifestyle choices, and seeking support whenever they need it. This can be done through volunteering, participating in local events and raising funds for mental health charities, as and also by organizing or attending workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness classes.
3. Take control
In terms of mental health in the field of mental health, the UK is a world leader. However, there is a lot of work to be completed. Many people suffering from mental health issues aren't seeking help due to the stigma associated with them. They typically wait until their symptoms are severe before seeking medical assistance. This could lead to a longer period suffering, more expensive costs, and a higher risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS was launched over 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly and the treatment options are more advanced. There is still a lot to be done, and stigma remains a major barrier.
As the number of people with mental health problems continues to increase the demand for services is increasing. The government has pledged to invest PS2.3 billion per year to expand and transform mental health services across the country. This will support 2 million more people who can access assistance and improve health outcomes.
There is also a lot being made to address the gap in funding between mental and physical health, as well the barriers that prevent people accessing 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.
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 increase the speed of response and provide care to those with mental health problems. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7million to reduce waiting time and increase the number who receive support.
There is always someone to assist you when you are struggling. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit a branch in your area. They provide confidential, free and non-judgemental support for anyone suffering from emotional distress. They are accessible 24 hours a day and can be reached by telephone, email or letter.
4. Moving forward
If you're concerned about your mental health, it's crucial to act. The appropriate support can help get well and stay healthy.
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. Certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety, may be a reaction to difficult life events like bereavement or a break-up in a relationship, however stress at work can also cause them.
There are many things we can do to improve our mental health. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and exercising regularly, and learning to manage stress. But everyone's needs are different and sometimes, we need more help. This could include things like occupational therapy, talking therapies or medication.
There are a myriad of charities and support services available to assist with a variety of issues, such as housing, debts, addictions and eating disorders. The government has laid out its goals for the mental health services in the Five Year Forward View, but it's up to us all to ensure that those goals are realized.
investing in the mental health of children and young people's health, as stated in the Time for Action report, is crucial. But, spending by the public on CAMHS is currently lagging behind spending on adult mental health services. funding is a postcode lottery.
Health and social care providers are increasing putting prevention at center of their efforts to improve the mental health of their communities. This is reflected in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together more than 140 organisations from the social and health care sector who have agreed to an agreement to make prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has stated that it is committed to tackling stigma and inequalities within mental health and the gap between physical and mental healthcare. There is still much to be done. We need to change the mental health and how we talk about it. We must break down the barriers that continue to divide us and create an environment in which people value mental wellbeing as much as physical wellbeing.