Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, health care has seen advances in medical technology and treatments, at no cost when in need. However, mental health has yet to see the same advancements.
Many reported feeling great about their mental health, yet were concerned that others might not. People also discussed the impact that economic challenges have on their own mental wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of others.
1. Getting help
One of the most important steps to take when you're dealing with mental health issues is seeking for help. It's crucial to seek assistance regardless of whether it's difficult. There are many options to get help, including therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. Each treatment is unique and therefore it is important to determine what works best for you.
The first step in seeking help is to recognize that you or someone you know has mental health issues. It's crucial to act if you notice a shift in how you or someone else around you thinks or feels. Most of the time, this means talking to them and seeking help. Joining a support network can help you connect with people who understand your needs.
You should also talk to your family and acquaintances about how you're feeling. They can lend an ear to listen and even refer you to an expert. Talking about your thoughts is a great method to ease stress and gain a new perspective on your life.
Mental health issues can lead to many symptoms. These range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder and even schizophrenia. The severity of these problems varies widely from one person to another, making it hard to determine if something is a natural response to stress or the sign of an illness that is more serious.
Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on a person's daily life. They can affect everything from relationships and work to their overall wellbeing and happiness. They can also have an enormous impact on your physical health. People who suffer from mental health issues are more likely than others to have physical symptoms that aren't medically explained.
In recent times there has been an evolution in the way we view mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized and more people seek treatment. Self-care is the first step towards a happier, healthier life. private mental health assessment cost to start is with your primary care physician. They may recommend a specialist counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
A multitude of tragic news stories, high profile campaigns and a growing awareness have given mental health issues the attention they deserve. We still have a way to go until mental and physical health 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 services. It has given rise to anecdotal evidence that the same level of disinvestment is occurring, but hard evidence is hard to come by. The lack of data consolidated on the state of local services and the fact that the key performance indicators are the same for the entire system (e.g. a maximum waiting time of 18 weeks to refer a patient from primary care to a specialist) are applicable to both physical and mental health, yet are treated differently when it is time to define a budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To solve this issue, a fresh method is required to build mental health resilience. it must be led at the local level by those who are the best in their communities like community groups, faith groups, local charities, children's organisations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will require the right training and facilitation, as well as support and resources to play their part in creating mental wellness across all age groups.
The GPs must also be provided with the resources they require to provide regular check-ins that aren't burdened by demand. They could then connect patients to self-management advice based on evidence and peer support. This will help to reduce the strain on the NHS in general and allow for more capacity within the mental health services.
The general public must also be encouraged to play a more active part in their own wellbeing by taking control of their leisure time, adopting healthier choices and seeking help whenever needed. This could be done by volunteering, attending local events and raising funds for mental health charities, as well as attending or organizing workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness classes.
3. Controlling the situation
When it comes to mental health, the UK is a world leader. But there is still 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 become serious before seeking medical help. This could lead to an extended period of suffering, higher expenses, and a higher risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease or cancer.
The good news is mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are more advanced, and mental illnesses are being talked about more freely than ever before. There is still much to be done, and stigma remains a major barrier.
The pressure on services grows as the number of people suffering from mental health problems increases. The government is committed to investing an extra PS2.3 billion annually to expand and improve services across the nation. This will enable 2 million people to get assistance and improve outcomes.
A lot is being done to address the gap in funding between mental and physical health, and also address the barriers that prevent people from 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.
There are also plans to create an array of specially-trained mental health ambulances. This will decrease the number of general ambulance call-outs for people in crisis and improve response times and care for those with 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 who receive treatment.
There is always someone to help you if you are struggling. You can call the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit a branch in your area. They provide free, non-judgemental and confidential support to those suffering from emotional anxiety. They are available via phone, email or by letter anytime of the day.
4. Moving forward
It's important to act if you're worried about your mental health. The right support can help keep you in good health and well.
One of four people in the UK will suffer from mental illness at some moment in their lives but it's important to remember that you can recover from most mental health issues. Most are mild, short-term and can be treated with medication administered by an GP. Certain ailments, such as depression and anxiety, are a result of difficult life circumstances, like a bereavement, or a breakup in the course of a relationship. Stress at work can be a contributing to the cause.
There are many things we can do to improve our mental health. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and physical activity, and learning to manage stress. But everyone's needs are different and at times, we may need more help. This could be in the form of occupational therapy, speech therapy or medication.
There is also a wide range of charities and support services that can assist with a variety of issues, including addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward perspective outlines the goals of the government's mental health services. It is our responsibility to make those aspirations a reality.
Insuring youngsters and young people's mental health, as stated in the Time for Action report, is crucial. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health expenditure and funding is a lottery.
Prevention is now at the heart of the work of social and health care providers to improve the mental health of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organizations in the social and health care sectors that have committed to making prevention of mental illness their top priority.
The NHS has declared that it is firmly committed in addressing the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health and the gap between mental and physical healthcare. There is much to be done. We must alter the way that we think and talk about mental health. We must eliminate the barriers that divide us and to build a society in which people value mental wellbeing just as they value physical wellbeing.