Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was first introduced 70 years ago, health care has seen improvements in medical science and treatments, free of charge at times of need. Mental health hasn't seen the same advancements.
Many reported feeling great about their mental health, but worried that other people might not be as well. They also discussed the impact of economic hardship on their own and others well-being.
1. Get assistance
One of the most important steps to take when you're experiencing mental health issues is to seek out help. It is crucial to seek help regardless of whether it's difficult. There are many options to seek help, including treatment, lifestyle changes and medications. Each treatment is unique, so you should find the one that works best for your particular situation.
The first step in seeking assistance is to recognize that you or someone you know has a mental health problem. It's important to act if you notice a change in the way you or someone else around you thinks or feels. This often means talking to the person and asking their help. You might also join a support group, which can help you find people who are able to understand what you're experiencing.
It's also important to discuss with friends and family about how you feel. They can offer a sympathetic ear, and they may be in a position to refer you to an expert. Talking about your thoughts is a great method to ease anxiety and gain a fresh perspective on your life.
People suffering from mental health issues can experience a wide variety of symptoms, from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of these issues differs from person to person making it difficult to determine if something is a natural response to a stressful situation or the sign of an illness that is more serious.
Mental illnesses can have a huge impact on a person's everyday life. Mental illness can have a profound impact on the daily life, from their work to their relationships to their wellbeing and happiness. Additionally, they may have a significant effect on physical health. For instance, those with mental health problems are more likely to have medically unexplained physical symptoms.
In recent times, there has been an alteration in the way we view mental health. Mental illness is becoming less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Getting help is a positive step towards a healthier, happier, more productive life. It is best to begin by talking to your primary doctor. They are usually able to recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist or a professional counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
Mental health issues are now receiving the attention they deserve. A myriad of tragic news stories and well-known campaigns, as well as increasing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. We have a long way 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 financial pressures as acute/physical health services. This has led to reports that a similar disinvestment levels are happening, but evidence of this is difficult to find. In attempts to discern these trends, they are slowed by the absence of consolidated data on the overall state of local services and by the fact that the same system wide key performance indicators (e.g. the maximum waiting time of 18 weeks to refer a patient from primary care to a specialist) are applicable to both mental and physical health, but are treated differently when it comes to defining an appropriate budget and monitoring availability and quality.
To tackle this issue, an innovative approach to building mental resilience is needed. This should be led by local people who are a part of their communities, for instance community groups and faith groups. mental health checkup will need to be supported and facilitated with the proper training, resources, and assistance to enhance their role in promoting mental health for all age groups.
The GPs must also be provided with the resources they need to conduct regular check-ins which are not overburdened by demand. They can also connect patients to self-management advice based on evidence and peer assistance. This will ease the pressure placed on the NHS and will allow mental health services to be more efficient.
The general public must also be encouraged to play a more active part in their own wellbeing by taking control of their leisure time, pursuing healthier lifestyles and seeking help when they need it. This can be accomplished by volunteering, participating in local events and fundraising for mental health charities, as well as attending or organizing workplace health activities like mindfulness classes.
3. Take control
In terms of mental health, the UK is the world's leader. There is still a lot of work to do. There are many who suffer from mental health problems but are hesitant to seek help due to the stigma attached. They often wait until symptoms are severe before seeking medical attention. This can lead to prolonged suffering, higher costs and a higher risk of developing life-threatening illnesses like heart disease or cancer.
The positive side is that mental healthcare has come a long way since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly, and treatment options are more sophisticated. There is still a lot to be done, and stigma remains a major obstacle.
The pressure on services grows as the number of patients suffering from mental health issues grows. The government has promised to invest an additional PS2.3 billion per year to expand and improve mental health services across the country. This will enable 2 million more people to access assistance and improve healthcare outcomes.
There is also a greater effort being made to address the gap in the funding of mental and physical health, and to 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.
There are plans to establish a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will decrease the number of general ambulance calls for patients in crisis and improve speed of response and treatment for those with mental health problems. 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 support.
If you are struggling, there is always someone to talk to. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or visit a branch in your area. They provide free, non-judgmental and confidential assistance to anyone who is suffering from emotional distress. They are available by email, phone or by letter 24 hours a days.
4. Take action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's crucial to take action. The proper support can help you to stay healthy and well.
One out of four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point during their life. However, it is important to keep in mind that the majority of mental health issues can be resolved. Most mental health problems are not severe and temporary and can be addressed by a doctor using medication. Certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety can be a result of difficult life events, such as a bereavement, or a breakup in the course of a relationship. Stress at work can be a contributing factor.
We can all take steps to ensure our mental health and wellbeing by eating an appropriate diet, getting enough sleep and exercising, as well as taking control of stress. Each person's needs differ and, at times, we require additional help. This could be in the form of occupational therapy, talking therapies or medication.
There are numerous charities and support services available to assist with a variety of issues, including addictions, debt, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward overview of the government's aspirations for mental health services. It is up to us to help make those goals become a reality.
Insuring the mental health of children and young people's health, as stated in the Time for Action report, is crucial. CAMHS spending is currently behind spending on adult mental health and funding is an issue of lottery.
Health and social care providers are increasing putting prevention at heart of their work 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 health and social care sectors that have agreed to an agreement to make preventing mental illness a top priority.
The NHS has made clear that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities in mental health, as well as the gap between mental and physical healthcare. However, there is much to be done. We must change the way we think about mental health and the way we discuss it. We must eliminate the barriers that continue to divide us and to build an environment where people are concerned about mental wellbeing just as they value physical wellbeing.