Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS launched 70 years ago, medical advancements and treatments have been made available free of charge to people in need. But mental health has yet to see the same progress.
Many people reported feeling good about their mental health, but were worried that others might not. They also discussed the effect of economic hardship on their and other peoples' mental wellbeing.
1. Getting help
Finding help is the first step in taking care of your mental health. It is crucial to seek help, even if it is difficult. There are many options to seek help, such as treatment, lifestyle changes and medications. Each treatment is unique, so you should find the one that works best for your specific situation.
Recognizing that you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness is the first step to getting assistance. It's important to act if you notice a change in the way someone you know acts, thinks or feels. In most cases, this means speaking to them and asking for help. You may also want to consider joining a support group. This can help you find people who know what you're going through.
It is also advisable to talk to your family and friends about how you are feeling. They can lend a sympathetic ear and may be able to refer you to an expert. In addition, talking about your feelings can be a way of stress relief and can help you see the bigger picture of what's happening in your life.
Mental health issues can cause a variety of symptoms. These range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of mental health problems differs from person to. It isn't easy to determine if a symptom is an ordinary reaction to a stressful event or an indication that there is a serious illness that is developing.
Mental illnesses can have a significant impact on a person's daily life. They can affect everything from their relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. Additionally, they may have a significant effect on physical health. People with mental health issues are more likely than other people to suffer from physical symptoms that aren't medically explained.
In recent times, there has been an alteration in the way we view mental health. The stigma associated with mental illness is diminishing, and more people are seeking treatment. Finding help is a step towards a healthier, happier and more productive lifestyle. It is recommended to start by consulting your primary doctor. They will usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
A myriad of tragic news stories, prominent campaigns and increasing awareness have given mental health problems the attention they deserve. There is still a long to go before mental and physical health in the UK are treated equally.
In England, mental health services are not ring-fenced, and therefore are not subject to the same pressures as acute/physical healthcare services in terms of funding. It has given rise to a few instances of evidence that the same level disinvestment is happening, however hard proof is difficult to find. The lack of consolidated data about the state of local services and the fact that the key performance indicators are similar across the entire system (e.g. the maximum waiting time of 18 weeks to refer a patient from primary care to a specialist) apply to both physical and mental health, yet are treated differently when it comes to defining a budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To solve this issue, a fresh approach is needed to building mental health resilience. And it must be led at the local level by those who are the best in their communities - such as community groups, faith groups local charities, children's groups and community-based peer support groups. These groups will have 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 must also be given the resources to offer regular check-ins, which are not overburdened with demand and can connect patients to self-management advice or peer support. This will reduce the pressure put on the NHS and enable mental health services to be more efficient.
In addition, the public must be encouraged to take on a more active role in their own health by taking control of how they spend their leisure time, making healthier lifestyle choices, and seeking support whenever they need it. This could be done by volunteering, attending local events and fundraising for mental health charities as in addition to attending or coordinating workplace health activities like mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
The UK is a leader in the world when it comes to mental health care. But there is still much work to be accomplished. Many people suffering from mental health issues still don't seek help due to the stigma associated with them. They usually wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical attention. This can result in an extended period of suffering, higher costs and a higher risk of developing life-threatening illnesses like heart disease or cancer.
The good news is mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS was launched over 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are more advanced, and mental illnesses are being talked about more openly than ever before. There is still a lot to be done, and stigma remains a major barrier.
As the number of people suffering from mental health issues continues to rise, pressure on services is growing. The government has pledged to invest an additional PS2.3 billion per year to expand and transform mental health services across the country. This will allow 2 million more people to access help and improve care and outcomes.
More is also being done to address the gap in funding between 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.
There are plans to establish an array of specially-trained mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance calls-outs for people in crisis, and will improve response times and treatment for those suffering from mental health problems. The government is also expanding its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by another PS7 million to cut down waiting times and increase the number of people receiving help.
There is always someone who can assist you when you are struggling. The Samaritans can be reached by calling 116 123, or visit one of their local branches. They offer free, non-judgmental and confidential assistance to anyone suffering from emotional stress. They are available by email, phone or by letter 24 hours a days.
4. Take action
It's crucial to take action whenever you're worried about your mental well-being. mental health assessment online can keep you healthy and well.
One in four people in the UK will experience mental illness at some point in their lives, however, it's important to keep in mind that you can recover from the majority of mental health issues. The majority of them are short-term, mild and can be treated with medication from a GP. Some conditions, like depression and anxiety can be a result of life-changing circumstances, like grieving over a loss or a breakup in a relationship. Stress at work may also be a contributing to the cause.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health and wellbeing by eating healthy, having a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and being active, as well as taking control of stress. But everyone's needs are different and at times, we may need more help. This can include talking therapies, occupational therapists or medication.
There are a myriad of organizations and support services to help with various problems, including addictions, debts, housing and eating disorders. The government has set out its aspirations for the mental health service in the Five Year Forward View, but it's our responsibility to make sure those aspirations become reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights, investing in the mental health of children and young adults is essential. However, public spending on CAMHS is currently behind spending on adult mental health services. funding is a postcode lottery.
Health and social care providers are increasing putting prevention at 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 sectors that have pledged an unifying commitment to make the prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has declared that it is firmly committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health and the gap between mental and physical healthcare. There is still a lot to be done. We must change the way we think and speak about mental health. We must break down the barriers that divide us, and create a culture where mental health is as important as physical wellbeing.