Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, physical health has seen medical advancements and treatments that are free at the point of need. But mental health has yet to see the same advancements.
Many reported feeling positive about their mental health, but worried that others might not. People also discussed the effect of economic hardship on their mental health and the wellbeing of others.
1. Need help?
Seeking help is the first step in taking care of your mental health. It can be a challenge however it's essential to your well-being. There are many ways to seek help, such as therapies, lifestyle changes, and medications. Each treatment is unique, so it's important to determine what works best for you.
The first step to seek help is recognizing that you or someone you know has an issue with mental health. It's important to act if you notice a change in how you perceive, thinks or is feeling. Most of the time, this means talking to them and asking for help. Joining a support group can help you connect with people who understand your needs.
It is also important to talk with your family and friends about how you are feeling. They can be a sympathetic ear and may even recommend you to an expert. Talking about your emotions is a great way to ease anxiety and gain a fresh perspective on your life.
People with mental health issues can suffer from a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of these issues can vary from person to person and it can be difficult to determine if something is a natural reaction to stress or a sign of a serious illness.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on the daily life. They can impact everything from relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. Additionally, they could affect their physical health. People with mental health issues are more likely to suffer from physical symptoms that are not medically accounted for.
In recent times, there has been an evolution in the way we view mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness is diminishing, and more people are seeking treatment. Helping yourself is the first step toward living a healthier, happier life. The best place to begin is to talk to an primary health care provider. They will usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist or a professional 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 news and high-profile campaigns, as well as increasing awareness have brought them to light. 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 so are not subject to the same pressures as acute or physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. This has led to reports that a similar disinvestment levels are occurring, but concrete evidence on this is difficult to come by. The lack of data consolidated on the state of local services as well as 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 mental and physical health, but are treated differently when it is time to define an appropriate budget and monitoring availability and quality.
To solve this issue, a fresh method of building mental health resilience, and it must be led at the local level by those who know their communities best like faith-based groups, community groups, local charities, children's organizations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will require the right training and facilitation, along with support and resources to contribute to improving mental health across all age groups.
GPs must also be given the resources to provide regular check-ins, which are not overburdened with demands and can link people onto evidence-informed self-management advice or peer assistance. This will ease the pressure put on the NHS and will allow mental health services to be more efficient.
The general public should also be encouraged to play an active role in their own well-being by taking control of their leisure time, adopting healthier choices and seeking help when they need it. This could be done by volunteering, attending local events and fundraising for mental health charities, as well as attending or organizing workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness classes.
3. Take control
In terms of mental health, the UK is the world's leader. There is a lot of work to do. Many people with mental health issues aren't seeking assistance due to the stigma that surrounds them. They usually wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical help. This could lead to an extended period of suffering, more expensive treatment and a higher risk of developing life-threatening illnesses like heart disease or cancer.
The good news is mental health has gotten better since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly and treatment options are now more advanced. There is still a lot to be done, and stigma is a major obstacle.
As the number of people suffering from mental health issues continues to rise, pressure on services is increasing. The government has committed to invest an additional PS2.3 billion annually to expand and transform mental health services in the country. This will allow 2 million more people who can access assistance and improve health outcomes.
There is also a lot being made to address the gap in the funding for physical and mental health, as well the obstacles that prevent people from getting 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 plans to create a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will cut down on the number of general ambulance calls for those in crisis and improve speed of response and treatment for those who have mental health needs. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7million to reduce waiting time and increase the number who receive support.
If you're having a hard time there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or visit a branch in your area. They provide confidential, free and non-judgmental assistance to anyone suffering from emotional trouble. They are accessible 24 hours a day and can be contacted by telephone, email or letter.
4. Take action
If you're concerned about your mental health, it's crucial to act. The right support can help keep you healthy and happy.
One of four people will suffer from mental illness in the UK at some point in their lifetime. But, it is important to remember that many mental health problems can be resolved. Most of them are minor, short-term and can be treated with medication administered by your doctor. Some conditions, like depression and anxiety, can be a result of life-changing circumstances, like a bereavement or break-up in an intimate relationship. Stress at work may be a contributing to the cause.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, being physically active, and learning to manage stress. Each person's needs differ and at times, we may require additional assistance. This could be in the form of talking therapies, occupational therapy or medications.
There's also a broad array of support and charity services that can assist with a variety of issues like housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward perspective outlines the government's aspirations for mental health services. It is our responsibility to make those aspirations a reality.
Insuring children and young people's mental health, as outlined by the Time for Action report, is vital. However, mental health assessment cost on CAMHS is currently falling behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a lottery for postcodes.
Prevention is increasingly at the center of the efforts 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 health and social care sectors who have committed to making the prevention of mental illness their top priority.
The NHS has stated that it is committed to addressing the stigma and inequalities of mental health, as well as the gap between mental and physical healthcare. However, there is still a lot to do. We must alter the way that we think and talk about mental health. We need to break down the barriers that divide us and to create an environment in which people are concerned about mental wellbeing as much as physical health.