Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, physical health has seen advances in medical technology and treatments, free at the point of need. Mental health hasn't had the same benefits.
People reported feeling good about their mental health, but a lot were worried about the health of others. They also discussed the effect of economic hardship on their and other peoples' mental health.
1. Getting help
The first step to taking care of your mental health. It's important to seek help, even if it is difficult. There are many options to get help, including treatment, lifestyle changes and medication. Each treatment is different, so it's important to find the best option for you.
Recognizing that you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness is the first step towards getting assistance. It's crucial to act if you notice a change in how you or someone else around you thinks or feels. Often, this means talking to them and asking for help. Joining a support network can assist you in finding others who understand your situation.
It is also important to talk with your family and friends about how you are experiencing. They can offer an understanding ear, and they may be capable of referring you to a professional. Talking about your emotions is a great way to reduce stress and gain a new perspective on your life.
Mental health issues can cause various symptoms. These range from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. The severity of these issues can vary from individual to individual and it can be difficult to determine if something is a natural reaction to a stressful situation or an indication of an illness that is more serious.
Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on a person's daily life. They can impact everything from their relationships and work to their overall wellbeing and happiness. They can also have a major impact on your physical health. For example, people with mental health problems are more likely to experience undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent times, there has been a shift in the way we view mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized and more people seek treatment. Making yourself more comfortable is the first step towards living a more positive, healthier lifestyle. The best place to begin is with a primary health care provider. initial mental health assessment will usually 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 merit. Numerous tragic stories in the media and high-profile campaigns, along with increasing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. We still have a way to go until physical and mental health issues in the UK are treated equally.
In England the UK, mental health services aren't ringfenced and are therefore under the same funding pressures as acute/physical health services. It has led to anecdotal evidence that the same level of disinvestment is happening, however hard evidence is difficult to come by. In attempts to discern these trends, they have been hindered by the lack of consolidated data regarding the overall state of local services, as well as due to the fact that the same systemwide key performance indicators (e.g. the maximum wait time of 18 weeks to refer a patient from primary care to a specialist) apply to both physical and mental health, but are treated differently when it comes to defining a budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To tackle this issue, an innovative approach to building mental strength is needed. This should be led by local people who are comfortable with their communities, such as community groups and faith groups. These groups will need to be supported and guided by the right training, resources and assistance to enhance their role in promoting mental health for all age groups.
GPs should also be provided with the resources to offer regular check-ins that are not overwhelmed by demand and can connect patients to evidence-based self-management advice or peer support. This will reduce the pressure placed on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more efficient.
The general public should be encouraged to take more actively in their own wellbeing by taking control of their leisure time, choosing healthier choices and seeking help when needed. This can be done through 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. Taking control
The UK is a leader in the world in terms of mental health care. But there is much work to be done. There are many who suffer from mental health problems but do not seek help due to the stigma attached. They typically wait until their symptoms are severe before seeking medical attention. This can lead to an extended period of suffering, higher costs and greater risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease or cancer.
The good news is that mental healthcare has improved since the NHS launched 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly, and treatment options are more advanced. There is still much to be done, and stigma remains a major obstacle.
As the number of people with mental health problems continues to increase, pressure on services is growing. The government has pledged to invest an additional PS2.3 billion annually to expand and transform mental health services in the country. This will enable 2 million more people to get assistance and improve health outcomes.
There is also a lot being done to address the disparity in the funding for physical and mental health, and the barriers that prevent people 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 made to introduce a network specialised in mental health ambulances. This will cut down on the number of general ambulance calls for people in crisis and increase the service and response times for those who have mental health issues. 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.
There is always someone to assist you if you're going through a difficult time. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or visit a branch in your area. They provide free, non-judgemental and confidential assistance to anyone who is suffering from emotional distress. They are available by email, phone or mail anytime of the day.
4. Taking action
If you're concerned about your mental health, it's essential to act. The appropriate support can help get well and stay healthy.
One out of four people in UK will suffer from mental illness at some time in their lives, but it's important to remember that you can recover from most mental health issues. The majority of mental health issues are not severe and temporary and can be addressed by a doctor using medication. Certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety, may be a reaction to difficult life events such as bereavement or a breakup in a relationship. However, stress at work can also cause these.
We can all do things to improve our mental health, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and exercising regularly and learning to manage stress. Each person's needs differ and, at times, we require additional assistance. This could include occupational therapy, talking therapies or medications.
There's also a broad variety of charities and support services that can assist with a range of issues like addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The government has laid out its aspirations for the mental health service in the Five Year Forward View, but it's our responsibility to ensure that these aspirations are realized.
As the Time for Action Report highlights investing in the mental health of children and adolescents is vital. But, spending by the public on CAMHS is currently falling behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a postcode lottery.
Prevention is increasingly at the center of the efforts of health and social care providers to improve the mental wellbeing of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organisations from the health and social care sectors that have signed up to a shared commitment to make preventing mental illness a top priority.
The NHS has declared that it is committed in addressing stigma and inequalities in mental health, and also the gap between mental and physical health care. But, there's a lot to do. We need to change the way that we think and discuss mental health. We must break down the barriers that divide us, and create an environment where mental health is valued as much as physical well-being.