Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, medical advancements and treatments have been offered for free to people in need. Mental health has not seen the same advancements.
Many people reported feeling good about their mental health, but worried that others might not be as well. They also discussed the effect of economic hardship on their own and other' mental wellbeing.
1. Helping yourself
Seeking help is the first step towards taking care of your mental health. This can be difficult however it's essential to your well-being. There are a variety of methods to seek assistance with therapy, such as lifestyle changes. Each treatment is unique so it's crucial to find the best option for you.
The first step to seek assistance is to recognize that you or someone you know suffers from a mental health problem. It's important to act if you notice a shift in the way you perceive, thinks or feels. This usually means speaking to the person concerned and asking for their assistance. Joining a support group could assist you in finding others who understand your needs.
It is also essential to speak with family and friends about how you feel. They can lend an ear to listen, and they may be able to refer you to an expert. In addition, talking about your feelings can be a way of stress relief and will help you gain perspective on what's happening in your life.
People who suffer from mental health issues can suffer from many different symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of these issues varies widely from person to person making it difficult to know when it is a natural response to a stressful situation or a sign of an illness that is serious.
Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on a person’s daily life. They can impact everything from their relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. They can also have a significant impact on your physical health. People who suffer from mental health issues are more likely to suffer from physical symptoms that are not medically explained.
In recent times there has been a shift in the way we view mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Getting help is a positive step toward a happier, healthier and more productive lifestyle. It is recommended to start by talking to your primary care doctor. They can usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist, or professional counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
Mental health issues are now receiving the attention they deserve. Numerous tragic stories in the media and high-profile campaigns, along with growing awareness, have brought them to light. We have a long to go before mental and physical health in the UK are treated equally.
In England Mental healthcare services are not ringfenced, and are therefore subject to the same funding pressures as acute or physical health care services. This has led to reports that the same disinvestment levels are occurring, but concrete evidence on this is difficult to locate. In attempts to discern these trends, they are slowed by a lack of comprehensive data on the overall state of local services, and due to the fact that the same system-wide key performance indicators (e.g. The maximum referral time from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This applies to both psychological and physical health. However the budget and monitoring of service availability and quality differ.
To address this issue, a new approach to building mental strength is needed. This should be led by local people who are a part of their communities, including religious groups and community 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 should also be given the resources they require to provide regular check-ins which are not overburdened by demand. They can also connect patients to self-management advice based on evidence and peer support. This will lessen the burden put on the NHS and enable mental health services to be more effective.
Additionally, the general public should be encouraged to take on a more active part in their own health by deciding how they spend their free time, making healthier lifestyle choices and seeking help when they require it. This could be through volunteering, attending community events and fundraising for local mental health charities, or by organising or attending workplace health events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
The UK is a world leader in the world in terms of mental health. There is much work to be done. Many people who suffer from mental health issues still aren't seeking help due to the stigma associated with them. In reality, they typically wait until their symptoms become more severe before seeking medical treatment. This can lead to a longer period suffering, more expensive expenses, and a higher risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease or cancer.
The positive side is that mental health care has come a long way since the NHS was created 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly and treatment options are now more advanced. There is still much to be done and this contact form remains a major obstacle.
The demand for services rises as the number of patients suffering from mental health issues increases. The government has committed to investing an extra PS2.3 billion a year to improve and expand services across the nation. This will enable 2 million people to receive help and improve outcomes.
There is also a greater effort being made to address the gap in funding between mental and physical health, and to address the barriers that prevent 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.
Plans are also being developed to introduce a network specialised in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the number of general ambulance calls for those in crisis and increase the speed of response and treatment for those who have mental health issues. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7million to reduce waiting times and increase the number who receive help.
There is always someone who can assist you when you are experiencing a difficult time. You can contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123, or visit one of their local branches. They provide free, confidential and non-judgmental assistance to anyone in emotional distress. They are available 24/7 and can be reached via telephone, email or letter.
4. Taking action
It's important to act when you're concerned about your mental well-being. The proper support can help you improve your health and remain healthy.
One of four people will suffer from mental illness in the UK at some point in their lives. But, it is important to remember that most mental health issues can be overcome. Most of them are minor, short-term and can be treated with medication from your doctor. Some conditions, like depression and anxiety may be the result of life-changing events, such as grieving over a loss, or a breakup in a relationship. Stress at work may also be a contributing to the cause.
There are many things we can do to improve our mental health. This includes eating a healthy diet, taking enough rest, being physically active and learning to manage stress. But everyone's needs are different and at times, we may need more assistance. This can include occupational therapists, speech therapy or medication.
There is also a wide variety of charities and support services that can help with a variety of issues, including housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The government has laid out its goals for the mental health services in the Five Year Forward View however it's up to us all to make sure those aspirations are realized.
Insuring children and young people's mental health, as highlighted by the Time for Action report, is essential. However, the public's spending on CAMHS is currently behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a lottery for postcodes.
Health and social care professionals are increasingly placing prevention at the top of their agendas to improve the mental health of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings more than 140 organizations from the social and health care sector that have signed up to an agreement to make prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has stated that it is committed to addressing the stigma and inequalities of mental health and the gap between mental and physical health care. However, there is still a lot to do. We must change the mental health and how we talk about it. We must eliminate the barriers that continue to divide us and create an environment in which people value mental health as much as physical health.