Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, health care has seen medical advancements and treatments, at no cost when in need. Mental health has not seen the same advancements.
Many reported feeling positive about their mental health, yet were worried that other people might not. They also discussed the effects of economic hardship on their mental health and that of others.
1. Get help
One of the most important steps when you're struggling with mental health issues is seeking out help. It is crucial to seek help, even if it is difficult. There are many methods to seek assistance such as therapy and lifestyle modifications. Each treatment is different, so it's important to determine what works best for you.
Recognizing that you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness is the first step in seeking help. If you notice a change in the way someone you know acts, thinks, or feels, it's important to take action. This could mean speaking to the person and asking assistance. Joining a support group can assist you in finding others who understand your needs.
You should also talk to your family and acquaintances about how you're experiencing. They can offer an understanding ear, and they may be able to refer you to a professional. In addition, talking about your feelings can be a way of stress relief and can give you perspective on what's happening in your life.
Mental health issues can trigger many symptoms. They range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder and even schizophrenia. The severity of these problems can vary from person to person and it can be difficult to determine if something is a natural reaction to a stressful situation or an indication of an illness that is serious.
Mental illnesses can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. They can impact everything from relationships and work to their overall wellbeing and happiness. Additionally, they may influence their physical health. People with mental health issues are more likely to experience physical symptoms that aren't medically accounted for.
In recent years there has been an evolution in the way we view mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized and more people seek treatment. Making yourself more comfortable is the first step toward a happier, healthier life. The best way to start is to consult a primary health care provider. They may recommend a specialist psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist who is specialized in mental issues.
2. Keep it up
A multitude of tragic stories in the news, high-profile campaigns and a growing awareness have given mental health issues the attention they deserve. However, we have a long way be before physical and mental health are given equal importance in the UK.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ring-fenced and so are subject to the same pressures as acute or physical healthcare services in terms of funding. This has led to a few instances of evidence that the same level disinvestment is happening, however hard proof is difficult to find. In attempts to discern these trends, they are slowed by a lack of data aggregation on the overall state of local services and due to the fact that the same system wide key performance indicators (e.g. the maximum waiting time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) apply to both mental and physical health, but are interpreted differently when it is determining the budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To solve this issue, a fresh method is required to build mental health resilience, and this must be led at the local level by people who are the best in their communities like religious groups, community groups local charities, children's groups and community-based peer support groups. These groups will require the right training and facilitation, along with resources and support in order to contribute to improving mental health across all age groups.
GPs must also be provided the tools to provide regular check-ins that are not overwhelmed by demands and can connect patients to self-management advice or peer assistance. This will lessen the burden put on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more efficient.
The general public must also be encouraged to play an active role in their own wellbeing by taking charge of their leisure time, choosing healthier lifestyles and seeking assistance when needed. This can be done through volunteering, attending local events and fundraising for mental health charities as in addition to attending or coordinating workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness classes.
3. Take control
The UK is a world leader in the world in terms of mental health. There is plenty of work to do. Many people with mental health issues still don't seek assistance due to the stigma that surrounds them. They usually wait until their symptoms are severe before seeking medical help. This can lead to a longer period of suffering, higher costs and a higher risk of developing life-threatening conditions like heart disease or cancer.
The positive side is that mental health care has advanced since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are more advanced, and mental disorders are being discussed more often than ever before. There is much to be done, and stigma remains a major barrier.
The demand for services rises as the number of people suffering from mental health issues increases. The government is committed to investing an additional PS2.3 billion a year to expand and transform services across the country. This will allow 2 million people to get help and improve outcomes.
There is also more being taken to address the gap in the funding for physical and mental health, as well as the obstacles that hinder people from accessing 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 establish a network that is specialized in mental health ambulances. This will cut down on the number of general ambulance calls for people in crisis and increase the speed of response and treatment for those with mental health needs. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7 million, which will help reduce waiting times and increase the number of people who receive treatment.
There is always someone to assist you if you're going through a difficult time. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or go to one of their local branches. They offer free, confidential and non-judgemental support for anyone in emotional suffering. They are accessible 24 hours a day and can be reached by telephone, email or letter.
4. Taking action
It's essential to take action whenever you're worried about your mental well-being. The right support can keep you healthy and well.
One in four people in the UK will experience mental illness at some time in their lives, however, it's important to keep in mind that you can recover from most mental health issues. Most are mild, short-term and can be treated with medication administered by a GP. Certain ailments, such as depression and anxiety, may be the result of life-changing circumstances, like grieving over a loss or break-up in a relationship. Stress at work can be a contributing to the cause.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health, including eating a healthy diet, taking enough rest and exercising regularly and learning how to manage stress. But mental illness assessment test are different and at times, we may need more assistance. This can include things like occupational therapy, speech therapy or medications.
There is also a wide variety of charities and support services that can help with a myriad 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 up to us to make those aspirations into reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights, investing in the mental health of children and young people is vital. However, public spending on CAMHS is currently lagging behind spending on adult mental health services. funding is a lottery for postcodes.
Prevention is becoming the heart of the work of health and social care providers to improve the mental wellbeing of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organisations from the social and health care sectors that have agreed to a shared commitment to make prevention of mental illness a top priority.
The NHS has made clear that it is committed to addressing the stigma and inequalities that surround mental health, as well as the gap between mental and physical health care. But, there's plenty to be done. We need to change the way that we think and discuss mental health. We need to break down the barriers that divide us and to create an environment where people value mental wellbeing as much as physical health.