Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, medical advancements and treatments have been provided free of charge to those in need. Mental health hasn't seen the same advancements.
Many reported feeling great about their mental health, but were concerned that others might not. They also discussed the effect of economic hardship on their own and others' mental health.
1. Need help?
One of the most crucial steps when you're experiencing mental health issues is to seek for help. It's important to seek help regardless of whether it's difficult. There are many ways to get help, including treatment, lifestyle changes and medications. Each treatment is different and therefore it is important to determine what works best for you.
The first step in seeking help is recognizing that you or someone you know suffers from an issue with mental health. It is crucial to act when you notice a shift in how you perceive, thinks or is feeling. Most of the time, this means talking to them and seeking help. You might also consider joining a support group, which can help you find people who are able to understand what you're experiencing.
It is also essential to speak with friends and family about how you feel. They can offer an understanding ear and could be capable of referring you to a professional. Talking about your emotions is a great way to reduce anxiety and gain a fresh perspective on your life.
People who suffer from mental health issues may experience various symptoms, from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of these issues varies widely from individual to individual and it can be difficult to tell if something is a natural reaction to a stressful situation or an indication of a serious illness.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person's everyday 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 example, people with mental health problems are more likely to have undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent years, there has been a change in the perception of mental health. The stigma around mental illness is decreasing and more people are seeking treatment. Finding help is a positive step towards a healthier, happier, more productive life. The best way to begin is to talk to your primary health care provider. They are usually able to suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist or a professional counselor who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up!
Mental health issues are finally receiving the attention they merit. A myriad of tragic news stories and well-known campaigns, as well as increasing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. However, we have a long way to go before mental and physical health are considered equal priorities 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 hard to locate. The attempts to determine these trends have been hampered by a lack of data aggregation on the overall condition of local services, as well as by 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) are applicable to both physical and mental health, yet are treated differently when it is determining a budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To address this issue, a new approach to building mental strength is required. This must be led by local people who are comfortable with their communities, including community groups and faith groups. These groups will have to be supported and guided by the appropriate training, resources and support to develop their role in creating mental wellbeing across all age groups.
GPs must also be given the resources to offer regular check-ins that aren't overwhelmed by demands and can connect patients to evidence-based self-management advice or peer assistance. This will ease the strain on the NHS as a whole and increase the capacity in mental health services.
In addition, the public must be encouraged to play a more active part in their own health by deciding how they spend their free time, making healthier lifestyle choices and seeking support when they require it. This could be done by volunteering, participating in local events, and raising money for mental health charities, as well as attending or organizing workplace health events like mindfulness classes.
3. Take control
In terms of mental health In terms of mental health, the UK is an international leader. There is still plenty of work to be done. Many people who suffer from mental health issues still don't seek help due to the stigma associated with them. They usually wait until their symptoms are severe before seeking medical help. This could lead to a longer period suffering, more expensive expenses, and a higher chance of developing life-threatening illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental health has gotten better since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are now more advanced, and mental disorders are being talked about more often than ever before. However, there is much to be done, and the stigma remains a significant barrier.
The pressure on services increases as the number of people suffering from mental health problems increases. The government is committing to investing an additional PS2.3 billion annually to improve and expand services across the country. This will allow 2 million people to get assistance and improve outcomes.
There is also a greater effort being made to tackle the inequality in funding between mental and physical health, and also remove the barriers that block 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.
There are plans to create an array of specially-trained mental health ambulances. This will decrease the number of general ambulance calls for people in crisis, and improve response times and treatment for those suffering from mental health needs. The government is also extending its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by another PS7 million to decrease waiting times and increase the number of people who receive support.
If you're having a hard time there is always someone to talk to. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or visit a branch in your area. They offer free, confidential and non-judgmental assistance to anyone in emotional suffering. They are available via email, phone or by letter anytime of the day.
4. Take action
If you're concerned about your mental health, it's crucial to take action. The right support can help keep you in good health and well.
One of four people will suffer from mental illness in the UK at some point during their lives. However, it's important to remember that many mental health issues can be overcome. Most are mild, short-term and can be treated with medication from an GP. Certain ailments, such as depression and anxiety, can be a result of life-changing events, such as grieving over a loss or a breakup in an intimate relationship. Stress at work may also be a contributing factor.
We can all do things to improve our mental health, such as eating a healthy diet, taking enough rest and physical activity and learning how to manage stress. Every person's needs are different, and sometimes we need additional help. This can include occupational therapists, speech therapy or medications.
There are how to get a mental health assessment of organizations and support services to assist with a variety of issues, including addictions, debt, housing and eating disorders. The government has set out its aspirations for the mental health service in the Five Year Forward View however it's up to us all to make sure those aspirations become reality.
Insuring youngsters and young people's mental health, as outlined by the Time for Action report, is crucial. However, the public's spending on CAMHS is currently lagging behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a postcode lottery.
Prevention is now at the center of the efforts of health and social care providers to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organisations from the health and social care sector that have signed up to a shared commitment to make prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has stated that it is committed to addressing the stigma and inequalities that surround mental health and the gap between mental and physical health care. However, there is still plenty to be done. We need to change the way that we think and talk about mental health. We need to break down the barriers that continue to divide us, and create an environment where mental health is valued just as physical wellbeing.