Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, physical health has seen medical advancements and treatments, free at the point of need. Mental health hasn't had the same benefits.
Many reported feeling satisfied with their mental health, but many were worried about the health of others. They also discussed the effects of economic hardship on their and other peoples' mental health.
1. Getting help
One of the most important steps when you're experiencing mental health issues is to seek out help. It can be a challenge but it's essential for your well-being. There are many ways to get assistance with therapy, such as lifestyle changes. Each treatment is unique so it's crucial to find what works best for you.
The first step in getting 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 change in the way you or someone else around you thinks or is feeling. Most of the time, this means talking to them and seeking help. Joining a support group could assist you in finding others who understand your needs.
It is also important to talk with your family and your friends about how you're feeling. They can lend an ear to listen and may be in a position to refer you to a professional. Additionally, discussing your emotions can be a method of relief from stress, and it can give you perspective on what's happening in your life.
People who suffer from mental health issues can suffer from a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of mental health problems is different from person to. It isn't easy to determine whether a symptom is an normal reaction to a stressful event or a sign that there is a serious illness that has been diagnosed.
Mental illnesses can have a huge impact on the daily life. Mental illness can have a profound impact on the daily life, from their work to their relationships to their wellbeing and happiness. initial mental health assessment can also have a major impact on your physical health. For instance, people who have mental health problems are more likely to have physical symptoms that are medically unrelated.
In recent times there has been an evolution in the way we look at mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness is diminishing, and more people are seeking treatment. Finding assistance is a great step towards a happier, healthier, more productive life. It is recommended to begin by speaking with your primary care doctor. They can usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
Mental health issues are finally getting the attention they deserve. A myriad of tragic news stories and high-profile campaigns, as well as growing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. There is still a long to go before physical and mental health issues 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/physical healthcare services in terms of funding. This has led to anecdotal reports that the same level of disinvestment is happening, but evidence of this is difficult to find. Attempts to identify such trends have been hampered by the lack of comprehensive data on the overall state of local services and due to the fact that the same systemwide key performance indicators (e.g. the maximum wait time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) are applicable to both mental and physical health, yet are treated differently when it is determining the budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To tackle this issue a new approach to building mental strength is needed. This should be facilitated by local people who are comfortable with their communities, for instance community groups and faith groups. These groups will require the right training and facilitation, along with resources and support in order to contribute to developing mental wellness across all age groups.
The GPs must also be equipped with the resources they require to offer regular check-ins, which aren't overloaded by the demand. They can then link people to evidence-based self-management advice and peer support. This will lessen the burden placed on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more efficient.
Additionally, the general public must be encouraged to take a more active role in their own health by deciding the way they spend their time, making healthier lifestyle choices and seeking help when they require it. This could be done by volunteering, attending local events, and raising money for mental health charities as in addition to attending or coordinating workplace health activities like mindfulness classes.
3. Taking control
When it comes to mental health in the field of mental health, the UK is an international leader. There is still plenty of work to do. Many people suffering from mental health issues still aren't seeking help due to the stigma attached to them. They often wait until symptoms become severe before seeking medical help. This could lead to an extended period of suffering, greater costs and increased risk of life-threatening conditions like heart disease or cancer.
The good news is that mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS was launched 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly, and treatment options are more advanced. However, there's still a lot to be done, and stigma is still a major obstacle.
The pressure on services increases as the number of patients suffering from mental health issues grows. The government has promised to invest PS2.3 billion per year to improve and transform mental health 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 physical and mental health, and also address the barriers that prevent 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.
Plans are also being developed to create a special network in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the number of general ambulance calls for people in crisis and increase the response time and care for those who have mental health needs. The government is also increasing its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by an additional PS7 million to decrease waiting times and increase the number of people who receive help.
If you're having a hard time you can always find someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or go to one of their local branches. They offer free, confidential and non-judgmental assistance to anyone suffering from emotional trouble. They are accessible via phone, email, or letter anytime of the day.
4. Take action
It's essential to take action whenever you're worried about your mental health. The right support can help keep you healthy and well.
One in four people in the 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 the majority of mental health problems. Most are mild, short-term and can be treated with medication by a GP. Certain, like depression and anxiety, may be a result of stressful life events like bereavement or a breakdown in a relationship. However, stress at work may cause these.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health, such as eating a balanced diet, taking enough rest and physical activity and learning how to manage stress. Every person's needs are different and, at times, we require additional assistance. This could be in the form of occupational therapy, speech therapy or medications.
There are also many organizations and support services to assist with a variety of issues, including housing, debts, addictions and eating disorders. The government has laid out its aspirations for the mental health service in the Five Year Forward View however it is our responsibility to make sure those aspirations are realized.
As the Time for Action Report highlights investing in the mental health of children and young adults is vital. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health spending and funding is a lottery.
Health and social care professionals are increasingly placing prevention at the center of their efforts to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is reflected in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health, which brings together more than 140 organisations from the health and social care sector who have signed up to a shared commitment to make the 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 physical and mental healthcare. However, there is still plenty to be done. We need to change the mental health and how we discuss it. We must remove the barriers that continue to divide us and create an environment where mental health is valued just as physical wellbeing.