Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was first introduced 70 years ago, health care has seen medical advancements and treatments, free at the point of need. Mental health hasn't seen the same advancements.
The majority of respondents reported feeling positive about their mental health, however many were concerned that others weren't. People also discussed the effect that poor economic conditions have on their own mental wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of others.
1. Get help
One of the most important steps when you're dealing with mental health issues is to seek out help. It's important to seek help regardless of whether it's difficult. There are a variety of methods to seek assistance, including therapy and lifestyle modifications. Each treatment is different and you must choose the best one for your specific situation.
Recognizing that you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness is the first step in seeking assistance. It's crucial to act if you notice a change in the way you perceive, thinks or feels. Often, this means talking to them and asking for help. Joining a support group could help you find others who can relate to your situation.
It is also important to talk with your family and your friends about how you're experiencing. They may be able to lend an ear to listen and could be able to refer you to an expert. In addition, talking about your emotions can be a method of stress relief and can help you see the bigger picture of the events in your life.
Mental health issues can lead to various symptoms. These can range from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of mental health issues varies from person to person. It is difficult to determine if a sign is an ordinary reaction to a stressful event or an indication that a serious illness is developing.
Mental illness can have an enormous impact on a person's everyday life. They can affect everything from their work and relationships to their overall health and happiness. Additionally, they could have a significant effect on physical health. For instance, people who have mental health issues are more likely to have physical symptoms that are medically unrelated.
In recent years, there has been a shift in our perception of mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness is diminishing, and more people are seeking treatment. Making yourself more comfortable is the first step toward a happier, healthier life. It is recommended to begin by speaking with your primary care physician. They may recommend a specialist counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
Mental health issues are finally receiving the attention they deserve. Numerous tragic news stories and high-profile campaigns, along with increasing awareness, have brought them to light. However, we have a long way to get to where physical and mental health are given equal importance in the UK.
In England the UK, mental health services aren't ringfenced and are therefore subject to the same financial pressures as acute/physical health care services. It has led to a few instances of evidence that the same level disinvestment is taking place, but evidence is difficult to come by. The lack of consolidated data on the state of local services as well as the fact that the 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 applies to both physical and psychological health. However, the budget and monitoring of availability of services and quality are distinct.
To solve this issue, a fresh approach is needed to building mental health resilience. it must be led at the local level by those who are familiar with their communities - such as faith-based groups, community groups, local charities, children's organizations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will require the right training and facilitation, as well as resources and support to contribute to developing mental wellness across all age groups.
GPs must also be given the resources to offer regular check-ins, which are not overloaded by demand and are able to connect patients to evidence-based self-management advice or peer support. This will reduce the pressure placed on the NHS and enable mental health services to be more effective.
In addition, the public must be encouraged to play a more active role in their own wellbeing by deciding how they spend their free time and implementing healthier lifestyle choices, and seeking support when they require it. This could include volunteering, taking part in community events, or fundraising for local mental health charities, or by organizing workplace health activities like mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
In terms of mental health In terms of mental health, the UK is the world's leader. There is still much work to do. There are still many people who have mental health issues but do not seek help because of the stigma. In fact, they often wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical treatment. This can result in prolonged suffering, greater costs and greater risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease or cancer.
The good news is that mental health care has made significant progress since the NHS was launched 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly and the treatment options are now more advanced. However, there is much to be done, and stigma of mental illness remains a significant obstacle.
The demand for services rises as the number of people suffering from mental health problems increases. The government has pledged to invest an additional PS2.3 billion annually to improve and transform mental health services in the country. This will allow 2 million people to get assistance and improve outcomes.
More is also being done to address the gap in funding between physical and mental health, as well as tackle the barriers 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 establish a network that is specialized in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance calls for those in need, and increase the speed of response and treatment for those suffering from mental health problems. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7million to reduce waiting times and increase the number of people who receive support.
If you are struggling you can always find someone to talk to. You can call the Samaritans at 116 123 or visit a local branch. They provide free, non-judgmental and confidential support to anyone experiencing emotional distress. They are accessible via phone, email, or letter 24 hours a days.
4. Taking action
It's important to act whenever you're worried about your mental well-being. The right support can keep you healthy and well.
One of four people in the UK will experience mental illness at some time in their lives, but it's important to know that you can recover from many mental health problems. mental health assessments are mild, short-term and can be treated with medication administered by an GP. Certain conditions, 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 may be a factor.
We can all take steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing by eating a balanced diet, sleeping enough and exercising, as well as managing stress. Every person's needs are different and, at times, we require assistance. This could include things like occupational therapy, speech therapy or medication.
There is also a wide range of charities and support services that can assist with a myriad of issues, including housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The government has laid out its aspirations for the mental health system in the Five Year Forward View however it's our responsibility to ensure that those goals become reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights investing in the mental health of children and young people is crucial. CAMHS spending is currently behind spending on adult mental health and funding is a lottery.
Prevention is now at the core of the work of social and health care providers 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 sectors that have agreed to a shared commitment to make prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has declared that it is firmly committed in addressing the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health, and also the gap between physical and mental health care. There is still much to be done. We need to change the way we think about mental health and how we talk about it. We must eliminate the barriers that divide us and create an environment in which people value mental wellbeing as much as physical health.