Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, medical advances and treatments have been provided free of charge to people in need. However, mental health has not yet seen the same kind of progress.
People reported feeling good about their mental health, but a lot were worried about the health of others. People also discussed the effect that poor economic conditions have on their mental health and the wellbeing of others.
1. Get help
The first step towards taking care of your mental health. This can be difficult however it's essential to your wellbeing. There are several methods to seek assistance, including therapy and lifestyle modifications. Each treatment is different therefore you need to find the one that is most effective for your situation.
The first step in seeking help is to recognize that you or someone you know has a mental health problem. If you notice an alteration in the way that someone you know thinks, feels or acts it's crucial to take action. Often, this means talking to them and asking for help. Joining a support group could help you connect with people who can relate to your situation.
It is also advisable to talk to your family and your friends about how you're experiencing. They can lend an ear to listen and even refer you to an expert. Talking about your thoughts is a great method to relieve anxiety and gain a new perspective on your life.
People with mental health issues can experience many different symptoms, from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of mental health issues varies from person to person. It isn't easy to determine if a sign is an normal reaction to a stressful situation or a sign that an illness of serious severity has developed.
Mental illnesses can have an enormous impact on a person's everyday life. They can affect everything from their relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. They can also have a major impact on your physical health. For instance, those with mental health problems are more likely to experience undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent times there has been an alteration in the way we view mental health. The stigma associated with mental illness is decreasing, and more people are seeking treatment. Receiving help is a positive step towards a healthier, happier and more productive lifestyle. It is best to begin by consulting your primary care physician. They are usually able to recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist or a professional counselor who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
A myriad of tragic stories in the news, high-profile campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health issues the importance they merit. We have a long way to go before mental and physical health issues in the UK are treated equally.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ring-fenced and are 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 taking place, but hard evidence on this is difficult to find. Attempts to identify such trends are slowed by a lack of data aggregation on the overall condition of local services and due to the fact that the same system wide key performance indicators (e.g. a maximum waiting time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) apply to both physical and mental health, yet are treated differently when it is determining an appropriate budget and monitoring 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 a part of their communities, including faith-based groups and community groups. These groups require the proper training and facilitation, along with support and resources to contribute in creating mental wellness across all age groups.
GPs must also be provided the resources to provide regular check-ins that aren't overloaded by demand and can connect patients to self-management advice or peer support. This will help reduce the pressure on the NHS as a whole and increase the capacity within mental health services.
In addition, the public should be encouraged to take on a more active part in their own wellbeing by deciding how they spend their free time and implementing healthier lifestyle choices and seeking help when they require it. This could be done by volunteering, participating in local events, and raising money for mental health charities, as in addition to attending or coordinating workplace health events like mindfulness classes.
3. Controlling the situation
The UK is a world leader in the world in terms of mental health care. But there is still much work to be done. Many people suffering from mental health issues still aren't seeking assistance due to the stigma associated with them. In reality, they typically wait until their symptoms become more severe before seeking medical attention. This can result in prolonged suffering, higher costs, and a greater chance of developing life-threatening illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental healthcare has improved since the NHS was launched over 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are more advanced, and mental disorders are being talked about more often than ever before. There is still a lot to be done, and stigma remains a major barrier.
The pressure on services increases as the number of people suffering from mental health issues increases. The government is committing to investing an extra PS2.3 billion annually to improve and expand services across the nation. This will support 2 million more people who can access help and improve care and outcomes.
There is also more being made to address the gap in the amount of money allocated to physical and mental health, as well as the obstacles that hinder people from accessing 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.
Plans are also being developed to introduce a network specialised in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance call-outs for those in need, and increase the speed of response and treatment for those suffering from mental health issues. 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 treatment.
There is always someone to assist you when you are going through a difficult time. You can contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123, or visit one of their local branches. They offer free, confidential and non-judgmental assistance to anyone in emotional distress. They are accessible 24 hours a day and can be contacted by telephone, email or letter.
4. Insisting on action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's essential to take action. The right support can help keep you healthy and happy.
One out of four people in UK will suffer from mental illness at some time in their lives, however, it's important to keep in mind that you can recover from many mental health problems. Most of them are minor, short-term and can be treated with medication by an GP. Certain ailments, such as depression and anxiety may be the result of life-changing events, such as a bereavement, or a breakup in the course of a relationship. Stress at work could be a factor.
There are many things we can do to improve our mental health, including eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly and learning to manage stress. But every person's needs are unique and sometimes, we need more assistance. This can include talking therapies, occupational therapists or medication.
There's also a wide range of charities and support services that can assist with a variety of issues like housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. assessment of mental health view outlines the government's aspirations for mental health services. It is up to us to make those dreams 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 behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a postcode lottery.
Prevention is increasingly at the core of the work of social and health care providers to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is reflected by the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together more than 140 organisations in the social and health care sectors who have committed to making the prevention of mental illness their top priority.
The NHS has made it clear that it is committed to addressing the stigma and inequalities of mental health, and the gap between physical and mental healthcare. However, there is still plenty to be done. We must alter the way that we think and speak about mental health. We must break down the barriers that divide us and to create an environment in which people value mental health as much as physical health.