Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 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, however many were worried that others weren't. They also discussed the effects that poor economic conditions have on their own mental wellbeing and that of others.
1. Helping yourself
One of the most important steps to take when you're struggling with mental health issues is seeking out help. It's crucial to seek assistance, even if it is difficult. There are many options to seek help, including treatment, lifestyle changes and medications. Each treatment is different and therefore it is important to find the best option for you.
Recognizing that you or someone you know suffers from a mental illness is the first step to seeking assistance. If you notice an alteration in the way that someone you know acts, thinks, or feels, it's important to act. Most of the time, this means talking to them and seeking help. You may also want to join a support group. This can help you find others who are able to understand what you're experiencing.
It is also important to talk with your family and your friends about how you're experiencing. They can lend a sympathetic ear, and they may be in a position to refer you to an expert. In addition, talking about your emotions can be a method of stress relief, and it can give you perspective on the events in your life.
People who suffer from mental health issues may experience various symptoms, ranging from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of these disorders differs from person to person and it can be difficult to know when something is a natural response to stress or the sign of a serious illness.
Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on the daily life. They can affect everything from their relationships and work to their overall wellbeing and happiness. In addition, they can influence their physical health. People with mental health issues are more likely than others to experience physical symptoms that aren't medically accounted for.
In recent years there has been a shift in the way we view mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness is decreasing and more people are seeking treatment. Making yourself more comfortable is the first step to living a healthier, happier life. It is best to begin by consulting your primary doctor. They can usually recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
A myriad of tragic news stories, high profile campaigns and increasing awareness have given mental health issues the attention they deserve. We have a long to go before mental and physical health in the UK are treated equally.
In England Mental health services in England 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 anecdotal evidence that the same level of disinvestment is occurring, but hard proof is difficult to find. The attempts to determine these trends have been hampered by the lack of data aggregation on the overall state of local services, as well as due to the fact that the same system-wide key performance indicators (e.g. a maximum waiting time of 18 weeks to refer a patient from primary care to a specialist) apply to both mental and physical health, but are interpreted differently when it comes to defining a budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To address this, a new approach is needed to building mental health resilience, and this should be facilitated at the local level by those who know their communities best - such as community groups, faith groups, local charities, children's organizations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will need to be supported and guided by the right training, resources and support to develop their role in creating mental wellbeing across all age groups.
GPs should also be provided with the tools they need to provide regular check-ins that aren't burdened by the demands. They can also connect patients to self-management advice based on evidence and peer support. This will ease the pressure on the NHS in general and will allow for greater capacity within the mental health services.
Additionally, the general public should be encouraged to play a more active part in their own well-being by deciding how they spend their free time, making healthier lifestyle choices, and seeking support when they need it. This can be done through volunteering, attending local events, and raising money for mental health charities, as well as attending or organizing workplace health events like mindfulness classes.
3. Controlling
When it comes to mental health in the field of mental health, the UK is an international leader. There is still a lot of work to be done. Many people suffering from mental health issues still don't seek assistance due to the stigma attached to them. They usually wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical help. This could lead to prolonged suffering, greater costs, and a greater risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer or heart disease.
The positive side is that mental health care has come a long way since the NHS was created 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly and the treatment options are more advanced. However, there is much to be done, and the stigma is still a major obstacle.
The demand for services rises as the number of patients suffering from mental health issues grows. The government has committed to invest an additional PS2.3 billion annually to improve and transform mental health services across the country. This will support 2 million more people to get assistance and improve health outcomes.
There is also more being made to address the gap in the amount of money allocated to physical and mental health, as well as the obstacles that prevent people from getting 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.
There are also plans to establish a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will reduce the use of general ambulance call-outs for people in crisis, and increase the speed of response and provide care to those with mental health needs. 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 assistance.
If you are struggling there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or go to one of their local branches. They provide confidential, free and non-judgemental support for anyone in emotional suffering. listen to this podcast are accessible 24 hours a day and can be contacted by email, phone or letter.
4. Take action
It's essential to take action whenever you're worried about your mental well-being. The appropriate support can help to stay healthy and well.
One of four people will suffer from mental illness in the UK at some point in their lifetime. However, it's important to remember that most mental health problems are solvable. The majority of them are short-term, mild and can be treated with medication by a GP. Certain, like depression and anxiety, may be a result of difficult life events, such as bereavement, or a breakdown in a relationship, however stress at work can contribute to these.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health and well-being by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, being active and taking control of stress. Each person's needs differ and at times, we may require assistance. This could include occupational therapists, speech therapy or medication.
There are a myriad of organizations and support services to assist with a variety of issues, including housing, debts, addictions and eating disorders. The government has laid out its aspirations for the mental health system in the Five Year Forward View however it's our responsibility to ensure that those goals are realized.
Investing in youngsters and young people's mental health, as stated in the Time for Action report, is essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health spending and funding is an issue of lottery.
Prevention is increasingly at the center of the efforts of health and social care providers 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 that have pledged an unifying commitment to make preventing mental illness a priority.
The NHS has made clear that it is committed to addressing the stigma and inequalities in mental health, as well as the gap between mental and physical healthcare. However, there is plenty to be done. We must change the way we think about mental health and how we talk about it. We must eliminate the barriers that continue to divide us and create an environment in which people value mental wellbeing just as they value physical wellbeing.