Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, medical advancements and treatments have been made available free of charge to those who need it. But mental health has yet to see the same kind of progress.
People reported feeling good about their own mental health, but many were concerned that others weren't. They also discussed the effects of poor economic conditions on their own and others' mental wellbeing.
1. Get help
The first step in taking care of your mental health. It is crucial to seek help even if the situation is difficult. There are many ways to seek help, such as treatment, lifestyle changes and medication. Each treatment is different therefore you need to find the one that is most effective for your specific situation.
Recognizing that you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness is the first step towards seeking help. If initial mental health assessment notice changes in the way someone you know acts, thinks, or feels it's crucial to act. This often means talking to the person and asking their help. Joining a support group could assist you in finding others who understand your situation.
It is also important to talk with your family and your friends about how you're feeling. They can lend a sympathetic ear, and they may be capable of referring you to a professional. Additionally, discussing your emotions can be a method of stress relief, and it can help you see the bigger picture of what's happening in your life.
People who suffer from mental health issues can suffer from various symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of mental health issues varies from person to person. It isn't easy to determine if a symptom is an ordinary reaction to a stressful situation or a sign that there is a serious illness that has been diagnosed.
Mental illness can have an enormous impact on a person's daily life. Mental illness can have a profound impact on a person's daily life, from their job to their relationships, to their wellbeing and happiness. They can also have an enormous impact on your physical health. For example, people with mental health issues are more likely to have medically unexplained physical symptoms.
In recent times there has been an evolution in how we think about mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Getting help is a positive step toward a happier, healthier and more productive lifestyle. The best way to start is with a primary care physician. They can usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist, or professional counselor who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
A multitude of tragic news stories, prominent campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health problems the attention they deserve. We have a long way to go until physical and mental health in the UK are treated equally.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ring-fenced and so are not subject to the same pressures as acute/physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. This has led to some reports that the same disinvestment levels are happening, but evidence on this is difficult to come by. Attempts to identify such trends are slowed by the absence of data aggregation on the overall condition of local services and due to the fact that the same systemwide 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 are different.
To tackle this issue, an innovative approach to building mental strength is required. This should be facilitated by local people who are comfortable with their communities, such as religious groups and community groups. These groups will need to be supported and assisted with the proper training, resources, and support to grow their role in creating mental wellbeing across all age groups.
GPs should also be given the resources they require to offer regular check-ins, that aren't burdened by the demand. They could then connect 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 efficient.
Additionally, the general public should be encouraged to play a more active role in their own well-being by taking control of how they spend their free time, making healthier lifestyle choices and seeking support when they need it. This could be done by volunteering, taking part in community events and fundraising for local mental health charities as well as by organising or attending workplace health events, such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Taking control
The UK is a world leader in the world in terms of mental healthcare. However, there is a lot of work to be completed. There are still many people who suffer from mental health problems but are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma. In reality, they typically wait until their symptoms get severe before seeking medical treatment. This can result in prolonged suffering, more expensive costs, and a higher risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer or heart disease.
The good news is mental healthcare has improved since the NHS was launched over 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly and treatment options are more sophisticated. However, there is much to be done, and the stigma of mental illness remains a significant obstacle.
The pressure on services increases as the number of people suffering from mental health issues grows. The government is committing to investing an extra PS2.3 billion per year to expand and improve services across the country. This will enable 2 million more people who can access help and improve care and outcomes.
A lot is being done to tackle the inequality in funding between mental and physical health, and to address the barriers that prevent 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 developed to introduce a network specialised in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance calls for those in need, and increase the speed of response and treatment for those suffering from mental health issues. The government is also increasing 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're struggling you can always find someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit a local branch. They provide confidential, free and non-judgemental support for anyone who is in emotional trouble. They are accessible 24 hours a day and can be reached by telephone, email or letter.
4. Taking action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's essential to act. The appropriate support can help improve your health and remain healthy.
One in 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 the majority of mental health issues. Most are mild, short-term and can be treated with medication by a GP. Some conditions, like anxiety and depression are a result of life-changing events, such as the loss of a loved one or a breakup in the course of a relationship. Stress at work may be a contributing to the cause.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health and well-being by eating an appropriate diet, sleeping enough and exercising, as well as learning how to manage stress. Each person's needs differ and at times, we may require additional assistance. This could include occupational therapy, talking therapies or medication.
There's also a broad array of support and charity services that can help with a variety of issues, including housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward view outlines the goals of the government for mental health services. It is our responsibility to make those dreams a reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights investing in the mental health of children and adolescents is essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health expenditure and funding is a lottery.
Health and social care providers are increasingly placing prevention at the center of their efforts to improve the mental health of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health, which brings together more than 140 organisations from the health and social care sector that have signed up to a shared commitment to make preventing mental illness a priority.
The NHS has made it clear that it is determined to address the stigma and inequalities of mental health and the gap between mental and physical health care. But, there's much to be done. We need to change the way we think and discuss mental health. We must break down the barriers that continue to divide us and create a society where mental wellbeing is as important as physical well-being.