Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, physical health has seen medical advancements and treatments that are free at the point of need. But click here for more has yet to see the same progress.
Many reported feeling positive about their mental health, yet were worried that others might not be as well. People also discussed the impact that economic challenges have on their mental health as well as the wellbeing of others.
1. Get help
One of the most important steps to take when you're dealing with mental health issues is to seek assistance. This can be difficult but it's essential for your well-being. There are many ways to get assistance such as therapy and lifestyle modifications. Each treatment is unique therefore you need to find the one that is most effective for your specific situation.
Recognizing that you or someone you know suffers from mental illness is the first step in seeking assistance. It's crucial to act if you notice a change in how you or someone else around you thinks or is feeling. Most of the time, this means talking to them and asking for help. You may also consider joining a support group, which could be helpful in finding people who know what you're going through.
It's also important to discuss with family and friends about your feelings. They can lend an ear to listen and even refer you to professionals. In addition, talking about your feelings can be a form of relief from stress, and it can give you perspective on the current situation in your life.
Mental health issues can cause a variety of symptoms. They range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder and even schizophrenia. The severity of mental health issues varies from person to person. It isn't easy to determine whether a symptom is an ordinary reaction to a stressful situation or an indication that a serious illness has been diagnosed.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person's daily life. Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on the daily life, from their work to their relationships, to their overall well-being and happiness. They can also have a major impact on your physical health. For instance, people who have mental health problems are more likely to suffer from undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent years there has been a shift in the perception of mental health. Mental illness is now less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Making yourself more comfortable is the first step towards living a more positive, healthier lifestyle. It is recommended to begin by consulting your primary physician. They can usually recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist or a professional counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
A multitude of tragic news stories, prominent campaigns and a growing awareness have given mental health problems the importance they merit. However, we have a long way to go before mental and physical health are considered equal priorities in the UK.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ringfenced, and are therefore subject to the same funding pressures as acute/physical health services. This has led to anecdotal evidence suggesting that the same level of disinvestment is happening, however hard evidence is difficult to come by. The lack of consolidated data about the state of local services and the fact that the key performance indicators are the same for the entire system (e.g. the maximum waiting time of 18 weeks to refer a patient from primary care to a specialist) apply to both physical and mental health, yet are treated differently when it comes to defining a budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To tackle this issue a new method of building mental resilience is required. This should be led by local people who are a part of their communities, including community groups and faith groups. These groups require the proper training and facilitation, along with resources and support in order to play their part in creating mental wellness across all age groups.
The GPs must also be provided with the tools they need to provide regular check-ins that aren't burdened by demand. They can then link people to evidence-based self-management advice and peer support. This will help to reduce the pressure on the NHS in general and will allow for greater capacity within the mental health services.
The general public must be encouraged to take more actively in their own well-being by taking control of their leisure time, adopting healthier lifestyles and seeking help when they need it. This could include volunteering, participating in community events and fundraising for local mental health charities as well as through attending or organising workplace health activities like mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
When it comes to mental health, the UK is the world's leader. But there is much work to be done. Many people with mental health issues don't seek help due to the stigma attached to them. In reality, they usually wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical assistance. This can lead to prolonged suffering, greater costs, and a greater risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease or cancer.
The good news is that mental health has gotten better since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are now more advanced, and mental illness are being discussed more freely than ever before. However, there is much to be done, and the stigma remains a significant barrier.
As the number of people suffering from mental health problems continues to increase, pressure on services is increasing. The government is committed to investing an additional PS2.3 billion a year to expand and transform services across the nation. This will enable 2 million more people to access assistance and improve health outcomes.
There is also work being made to address the gap in funding between mental and physical health, and the obstacles that prevent people from getting 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.
There are plans to create a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will reduce the number of general ambulance calls for patients in crisis and improve service and response times for those with mental health needs. The government is also extending 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.
There is always someone to help you if you are going through a difficult time. You can call the Samaritans at 116 123 or go to one of their local branches. They provide confidential, free and non-judgemental support for anyone who is in emotional suffering. They are available by email, phone or by letter all hours of the day.
4. Take click here for more to act if you're worried about your mental health. The right support can help you to stay healthy and well.
One of four people in the UK will suffer from mental illness at some moment in their lives however, it's important to keep in mind that you can recover from many mental health problems. Most mental health problems are not severe and temporary and can be addressed by a doctor with medication. Certain conditions, such as anxiety and depression may be the result of life-changing events, such as the loss of a loved one or break-up in the course of a relationship. Stress at work may be a to the cause.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health and wellbeing, such as eating healthy, having a balanced diet, getting enough rest and exercising, as well as learning how to manage stress. But every person's needs are unique and sometimes, we need more assistance. This could include talking therapies, occupational therapists or medication.
There are also many charities and support services available to assist with a variety of issues, including addictions, debts, housing and eating disorders. The government has set out its aspirations for the mental health service in the Five Year Forward View however it is up to us all to ensure that those goals become reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights that investing in the mental health of children and young adults is essential. However, the public's spending on CAMHS is currently falling behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a postcode lottery.
Prevention is becoming the heart of the work of health and social care providers to improve the mental wellbeing of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together over 140 organizations in the health and social care sectors that have committed to making the prevention of mental illness their primary goal.
The NHS has stated that it is determined to address the stigma and inequalities in mental health, and the gap between mental and physical health care. There is still a lot to be done. We must change the way we think and talk about mental health. We must eliminate the barriers that continue to divide us and to create an environment where people are concerned about mental wellbeing as much as physical wellbeing.