Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS launched 70 years ago, medical advancements and treatments have been made available at no cost to those who need it. But mental health has yet to see the same advancements.
Many people reported feeling good about their mental health, but were worried that others might not. People also discussed the impact that poor economic conditions have on their own mental wellbeing and that of others.
1. Getting help
One of the most crucial steps to take when you're dealing with mental health issues is seeking out help. It's crucial to seek assistance regardless of whether it's difficult. There are a variety of methods to seek assistance, including therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Each treatment is different therefore you need to find the one that is most effective for your situation.
The first step to seek assistance is to recognize that you or someone you know has a mental health problem. It's crucial to act if you notice a change in the way you perceive, thinks or is feeling. This usually means speaking to the person and asking for their assistance. Joining a support network can help you connect with people who understand your situation.
It is also essential to speak with friends and family about your feelings. They can lend an ear to listen, and they may be in a position to refer you to a professional. Talking about your emotions is a great way to reduce stress and gain a new perspective on your life.
People who suffer from mental health issues can suffer from many different symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of these disorders varies widely from one person to another, making it hard to know when something is a natural response to a stressful situation or an indication of a serious illness.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person's everyday life. They can impact everything from their work and relationships to their overall wellbeing and happiness. They can also have an enormous impact on your physical health. People with mental health issues are more likely to experience physical symptoms that are not medically explained.
In recent times, there has been an alteration in the way we look at mental health. Mental illness is now less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Finding assistance is a great step towards a happier, healthier and more productive lifestyle. It is best to begin by talking to your primary care doctor. They are usually able to recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist counselors who specialize 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 well-known campaigns, along with increasing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. But, we have a long way to go before mental and physical health are given equal importance in the UK.
In England, mental health services are not ring-fenced, and therefore are not subject to the same pressures as acute or physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. It has led to a few instances of evidence that the same level disinvestment is taking place, but evidence is hard to come by. In attempts to discern these trends, they have been hindered by the absence of consolidated data regarding 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 is applicable to both physical and psychological health. However, the budget and monitoring of service availability and quality differ.
To address this, a new method of building mental health resilience. And this should be facilitated at the local level by people who are the best in their communities including community groups, faith groups, local charities, children's organizations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will require the appropriate training and facilitation, along with resources and support in order to contribute to creating mental wellness across all age groups.
Doctors should also be provided with the tools they need to offer regular check-ins, that aren't burdened by demand. They can also connect people to evidence-based self-management advice and peer support. This will ease the pressure on the NHS in general and increase the capacity in mental health services.
The general public should also be encouraged to play more actively in their own wellbeing by taking control of their leisure time, adopting healthier choices and seeking help whenever needed. This can be done through volunteering, participating in local events and fundraising for mental health charities as well as attending or organizing workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness classes.
3. Controlling the situation
The UK is a leading country in the world when it comes to mental health. There is still plenty of work to be done. Many people suffering from mental health issues still aren't seeking help because of the stigma associated with them. They often wait until symptoms are severe before seeking medical attention. This can result in a longer period of suffering, higher costs and greater risk of life-threatening conditions such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS launched 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are more advanced, and mental illnesses are being discussed more often than ever before. However, there is much to be done, and assess mental health of mental illness remains a significant obstacle.
As the number of people suffering from mental health problems continues to increase the demand for services is growing. The government is committing to investing an additional PS2.3 billion per year to expand and transform services across the country. This will allow 2 million people to receive assistance and improve outcomes.
There is also a greater effort being made to tackle the inequality in the funding of mental and physical health, and to tackle the barriers that hinder people from seeking 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 reduce the need of general ambulance call-outs for those in need, and will improve response times and care for those with mental health problems. The government is also expanding its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by an additional PS7 million to reduce waiting times and increase the number of people who receive help.
If you are having a hard time you can always find someone to talk to. The Samaritans can be reached by calling 116 123, or visit one of their local branches. They offer free, non-judgmental and confidential support to those who is suffering from emotional anxiety. They are available 24 hours a day and can be reached by mail, telephone or email.
4. Take action
If you're concerned about your mental health, it's important to act. The appropriate support can help to stay healthy and well.
One out of four people in UK will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives, but it's important to remember that you can recover from most mental health problems. Most mental health issues are short-term and mild and can be managed by a doctor using medication. Certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety may be the result of difficult life circumstances, like the loss of a loved one or break-up in a relationship. Stress at work may be a contributing to the cause.
There are many things we can do to improve our mental health, such as eating a healthy diet, taking enough rest and physical activity and learning to manage stress. But everyone's needs are different and sometimes, we need more help. This can include talking therapies, occupational therapists 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 government has set out its goals for the mental health system in the Five Year Forward View however it is up to us all to make sure those aspirations are realized.
Insuring the mental health of children and young people's health, as highlighted by the Time for Action report, is crucial. 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 heart of the work of social and health care providers to improve the mental wellbeing of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together more than 140 organizations from the social and health care sectors that have pledged to making prevention of mental illness their priority.
The NHS has stated that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health and the gap between physical and mental health care. There is still much to be done. We must alter the way that we think and discuss mental health. We must eliminate the barriers that divide us and create an environment where people are concerned about mental wellbeing just as they value physical wellbeing.