Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, physical health has seen improvements in medical science and treatments that are free of charge at times of need. Mental health has not had the same benefits.
Many reported feeling great about their mental health, but concerned that others might not. People also discussed the impact that economic challenges have on their own mental wellbeing and that of others.
1. Get help
Finding help is the first step in taking care of your mental health. It's crucial to seek assistance regardless of whether it's difficult. There are several ways to get assistance such as therapy and lifestyle modifications. Each treatment is different therefore you need to find the best one for your specific situation.
Recognizing that you or someone you know suffers from a mental illness is the first step to getting help. It's crucial to act if you notice a change in how you or someone else around you thinks or feels. This often means talking to the person concerned and asking for their assistance. You may also consider joining a support group, which can be helpful in finding people who are able to understand what you're experiencing.
You should also talk to your family and your friends about how you're experiencing. They may be able to lend an ear to listen and may be able to refer you to an expert. In addition, talking about your feelings can be a form of relief from stress, and it will help you gain perspective on the events in your life.
Mental health issues can lead to a variety of symptoms. They range from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. The severity of these issues can vary from person to person, making it hard to tell if it is a natural response to a stressful situation or a sign of an illness that is more serious.
Mental illness can have a profound impact on the daily life. They can impact everything from their relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. Additionally, they could have a significant effect on physical health. For instance, those with mental health problems are more likely to suffer from physical symptoms that are medically unrelated.
In recent years there has been a change in our perception of mental health. Mental illness is becoming less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Self-care is the first step towards living a healthier, happier life. It is best to begin by speaking with your primary doctor. They will usually recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist or a professional counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
A myriad of tragic news stories, prominent campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health issues the attention they deserve. However, we still have a long way get to where physical and mental health are considered equal priorities in the UK.
In England, mental healthcare services are not ringfenced and are therefore subject to the same financial pressures as acute or physical health care services. This has led to reports of the same level of disinvestment is occurring, but concrete evidence on this is difficult to find. The absence of consolidated information about the state of local services as well as the fact that the most important 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) apply to both mental and physical health, but are interpreted differently when it is determining an appropriate budget and monitoring availability and quality.
To address this, a new method of building mental health resilience. And this must be led at the local level by those who are the best in their communities including faith-based groups, community groups local charities, children's organizations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will have to be supported and facilitated with the proper training, resources, and assistance to enhance their role in promoting mental health for all age groups.
GPs should also be provided with the resources to provide regular check-ins, which are not overloaded by demand and are able to link people onto evidence-informed self-management advice or peer support. This will help reduce the pressure on the NHS as a whole and allow for more capacity within mental health services.
In addition, the public should be encouraged to take on a more active part in their own health by deciding the way they spend their time and implementing healthier lifestyle choices, and seeking support when they require it. This could be done by volunteering, attending local events and raising funds for mental health charities, as in addition to attending or coordinating workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Taking control
In terms of mental health in the field of mental health, the UK is the world's leader. There is a lot of work to do. There are many who suffer from mental health problems but are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma. They typically wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical help. This can result in an extended period of suffering, higher costs, and a greater chance of developing life-threatening illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is mental health has gotten better since the NHS launched 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly and treatment options are now more advanced. However, there is much to be done, and the stigma is still a major obstacle.
As the number of people suffering from mental health problems continues to increase the demand for services is growing. The government is committing to investing an additional PS2.3 billion a year to expand and transform services across the nation. This will enable 2 million more people to get assistance and improve healthcare outcomes.
More is also being done to address the disparity in funding between physical and mental health, as well as remove the barriers that block people from seeking 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 establish an array of specially-trained mental health ambulances. private mental health assessment cost will reduce the need of general ambulance calls-outs for people in crisis and increase the speed of response and provide care to those with mental health needs. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7 million to cut down on waiting times and increase the number of people who receive help.
If you are having a hard time you can always find someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit one of their local branches. They provide free, confidential and non-judgmental assistance to anyone who is in emotional distress. They are available 24/7 and can be reached via email, phone or letter.
4. Insisting on action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's crucial to act. The appropriate support can help get well and stay healthy.
One of four people in the UK will experience mental illness at some moment in their lives but it's important to know that you can recover from most mental health problems. The majority of mental health issues are short-term and mild, and can be treated by a doctor with medication. Certain ailments, such as depression and anxiety, can be a result of difficult life circumstances, like a bereavement or break-up in an intimate relationship. Stress at work can be a factor.
We can all do things to improve our mental health, including eating a healthy diet, taking enough rest and physical activity and learning to manage stress. But every person's needs are unique and sometimes, we need more help. This can include things like talking therapies, occupational therapy or medications.
There is also a wide range of charities and support services that can help with a range of issues like addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The government has laid out its aspirations for the mental health service in the Five Year Forward View however it's our responsibility to make sure those aspirations become reality.
Investing in youngsters and young people's mental health, as highlighted by the Time for Action report, is essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind spending on adult mental health and funding is an issue of lottery.
Health and social care providers are increasingly putting prevention at the top of their agendas to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together over 140 organisations in the health and social care sectors that have pledged to making the prevention of mental illness their priority.
The NHS has stated that it is determined to address the stigma and inequalities that surround mental health, and the gap between physical and mental health care. However, there is still much to be done. We must change the way we think about mental health and the way we talk about it. We must break down the barriers that divide us, and build a society where mental wellbeing is as important as physical well-being.