Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, physical health has seen improvements in medical science and treatments that are at no cost when in need. But mental health is yet to see the same kind of progress.
The majority of respondents reported feeling positive about their own mental health, but many were concerned that others weren't. People also discussed the effect of economic hardship on their own mental wellbeing and that of others.
1. Get help
Seeking help is the first step to taking care of your mental health. This can be a difficult task but it's essential for your wellbeing. There are many methods to seek assistance such as therapy and lifestyle modifications. Each treatment is unique, so it's important to find the best option for you.
The first step in getting help is to recognize that you or someone you know has a mental health problem. It's crucial to act if you notice a change in how you or someone else around you thinks or feels. In most cases, this means speaking to them and asking for help. navigate here may also join a support group, which could be beneficial in locating people who know what you're going through.
You should also talk to your family and friends about how you are experiencing. They can lend an understanding ear and may be capable of referring you to a professional. Talking about your emotions is a great way to reduce 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 is different from person to. It can be difficult to determine whether a symptom is an ordinary response to a stressful event or a sign that an illness of serious severity has developed.
Mental illness can have a profound impact on a person’s daily life. Mental illness can have a significant impact on a person's daily life, from their work to their relationships to their happiness and overall wellbeing. Additionally, they may influence their physical health. For instance, people who have mental health problems are more likely to have undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent times there has been a shift in how we think about mental health. The stigma around mental illness is diminishing, and more people are seeking treatment. Self-care is the first step to living a healthier, happier life. It is recommended to begin by consulting your primary doctor. They are usually able to suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist or a professional counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up!
A myriad of tragic stories in the news, high-profile campaigns and a growing awareness have given mental health issues the attention they deserve. There is still a long way to go before physical and mental health in the UK are treated equally.
In England Mental health services in England are not ring-fenced, and therefore are subject to the same pressures as acute or physical healthcare services in terms of funding. This has led to reports of the same level of disinvestment is occurring, but concrete evidence of this is difficult to locate. The lack of consolidated data on the state of local services and the fact that key performance indicators are similar across the entire system (e.g. The maximum time for referral from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This is applicable to both physical and psychological health. However the budget and monitoring of service availability and quality are distinct.
To address this, a new method is required to build mental health resilience. it must be led at the local level by people who know their communities best like community groups, faith groups local charities, children's organisations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will require the appropriate training and facilitation, as well as resources and support in order to contribute to improving mental health across all age groups.
GPs should also be provided with the resources they require to offer regular check-ins, that aren't burdened by demand. They could then connect patients to self-management advice based on evidence and peer assistance. This will lessen the burden put on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more effective.
Additionally, the general public should be encouraged to take a more active role in their own wellbeing by taking control of how they spend their free time and making healthier lifestyle choices and seeking help when they require it. This could be done by volunteering, attending local events and raising funds for mental health charities, as well as attending or organizing workplace health activities like mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
The UK is a leader in the world in terms of mental healthcare. There is still a lot of work to be done. Many people suffering from mental health issues do not seek assistance due to the stigma associated with them. They often wait until symptoms are severe before seeking medical attention. This could lead to a longer period suffering, higher costs, and a greater risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease or cancer.
The positive side is that mental healthcare has come a long way since the NHS was launched 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are more advanced, and mental disorders are being discussed more often than ever before. There is still much to be done, and stigma is a major obstacle.
As the number of people suffering from mental health issues continues to rise the demand for services is growing. The government has promised to invest PS2.3 billion annually to improve and transform mental health services across the country. This will enable 2 million more people to access assistance and improve health outcomes.
More is also being done to address the disparity in funding between mental and physical health, and to remove the barriers that block 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.
There are plans to introduce a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will reduce the use of general ambulance call-outs for people in crisis, and increase the speed of response and provide care to those with mental health problems. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7million to reduce waiting time and increase the number of people who receive help.
If you're struggling there is always someone to talk to. You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit one of their local branches. They offer free, confidential and non-judgmental help to anyone suffering from emotional distress. They are accessible via email, phone, or letter all hours of the day.
4. Moving forward
It's important to act if you're worried about your mental well-being. The right support can keep you healthy and well.
One in four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point during their lives. But, it is important to remember that many mental health issues can be overcome. Most of them are minor, short-term and can be treated with medication from your doctor. Certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety, could be a result of difficult life events, such as bereavement, or a breakdown in a relationship, however stress at work may cause them.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health and wellbeing by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and being active, as well as learning how to manage stress. But everyone's needs are different and sometimes, we need more help. Suggested Reading can include occupational therapists, speech therapy or medication.
There's 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 Five Year Forward perspective outlines the government's aspirations for mental health services. It is up to us to make those aspirations a reality.
Investing in children and young people's mental health, as outlined by the Time for Action report, is essential. But, spending by the public on CAMHS is currently behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a postcode lottery.
Prevention is now at the center of the efforts of social and health care providers to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together more than 140 organizations from the social and health care sectors that have committed to making the prevention of mental illness their primary goal.
The NHS has made it clear that it is determined to address the stigma and inequalities that surround mental health and the gap between mental and physical healthcare. However, there is much to be done. We must alter the way that we think and speak about mental health. We must break down the barriers that continue to divide us and to create an environment where people value mental wellbeing as much as physical wellbeing.