Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, medical advances and treatments have been provided for free to people in need. But mental health is not yet seen the same progress.
Many reported feeling great about their mental health, yet were worried that other people might not. People also discussed the impact that economic challenges have on their mental wellbeing and that of others.
1. Getting help
One of the most crucial steps when you're struggling with mental health issues is to seek for help. It's important to seek help regardless of whether it's difficult. There are many options to seek help, including therapies, lifestyle changes, and medications. Each treatment is different and you must choose the one that is most effective for your specific situation.
Recognizing that you or someone else you know suffers from a mental illness is the first step to seeking assistance. It's crucial to act if you notice a change in how someone you know acts, thinks or feels. In most cases, this means speaking to them and asking for help. Joining a support group could help you connect with people who understand your needs.
It's also important to talk with family and friends about your feelings. They can offer a sympathetic ear and could be able to refer you to a professional. In addition, talking about your feelings can be a form of relief from stress, and it can help you see the bigger picture of what's happening in your life.
People with mental health issues can experience many different symptoms, from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of these problems can vary from individual to individual and it can be difficult to know when something is a natural response to a stressful situation or a sign of an illness that is serious.
Mental illnesses can have an enormous impact on a person's daily life. They can impact everything from their relationships and work to their overall wellbeing and happiness. They can also have an enormous impact on your physical health. mental health online assessment uk who have mental health issues are more likely to have physical symptoms that aren't medically explained.
In recent years, there is a shift in the way we view mental health. The stigma associated with mental illness is decreasing and more people are seeking treatment. Finding assistance is a great step towards a happier, healthier and more productive life. The best place to begin is with an primary health care provider. They are usually able to recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist or a professional counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
A myriad of tragic news stories, prominent campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health problems the importance they merit. We still have a way to go before mental and physical health issues in the UK are treated equally.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ring-fenced, and therefore are not subject to the same pressures that affect acute and physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. It has given rise to anecdotal evidence that the same level disinvestment is happening, however hard proof is difficult to find. The lack of consolidated data about the state of local services as well as the fact that the key performance indicators are the same for the entire system (e.g. the maximum wait time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) apply to both mental and physical health, but are interpreted differently when it is determining a budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To address this, a new method of building mental health resilience. And this should be facilitated at the local level by people who know their communities best including community groups, faith groups, local charities, children's organisations and community-based peer support groups. These groups must be supported and guided by the proper training, resources, and support to grow their role in creating mental wellbeing across all age groups.
GPs must also be provided the tools to provide regular check-ins that are not overwhelmed by demand and are able to connect patients to evidence-based self-management advice or peer assistance. This will ease the pressure on the NHS as a whole and will allow for greater capacity within mental health services.
The general public should be encouraged to take more actively in their own well-being by taking charge of their leisure time, adopting healthier choices and seeking help when needed. This can be done through volunteering, attending local events and fundraising for mental health charities as well as attending or organizing workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Controlling the situation
When it comes to mental health, the UK is a world leader. There is still a lot of work to do. There are still many people who have mental health issues but do not seek help due to the stigma attached. In reality, they typically wait until their symptoms become more severe before seeking medical treatment. This can result in prolonged suffering, more expensive expenses, and a higher chance of developing life-threatening illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental health care has come a long way since the NHS was launched 70 years ago. Mental illness is now being discussed more openly and treatment options are more sophisticated. There is still a lot to be done and stigma remains a major obstacle.
As the number of people with mental health problems continues to increase and the demand on services is growing. The government has committed to investing an extra PS2.3 billion annually to improve and expand services across the nation. This will enable 2 million people to get assistance and improve outcomes.
There is also a lot being done to address the disparity in the funding for physical and mental health, as well the obstacles that hinder 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 made to introduce a network specialised in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the number of general ambulance calls for people in crisis and increase the service and response times for those who have mental health problems. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7 million to cut down on waiting time and increase the number of people who receive support.
If you are struggling there is always someone to talk to. You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit one of their local branches. They provide free, non-judgmental and confidential assistance to anyone suffering from emotional stress. They are available 24 hours a day and can be reached by mail, telephone or email.
4. Take action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's crucial to take action. The right support can help you get well and stay healthy.
One out of four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point during their lifetime. However, it is important to remember that most mental health problems are solvable. The majority of mental health issues are short-term and mild, and can be treated by a doctor using medication. Some, such as anxiety and depression, can be a reaction to difficult life events such as bereavement or a breakdown in a relationship, however stress at work can also contribute to them.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health and wellbeing by eating an appropriate diet, getting enough rest, being active and learning how to manage stress. Every person's needs are different and, at times, we require assistance. This could be through occupational therapists, speech therapy or medication.
There is also a wide array of support and charity services that can assist with a myriad of issues like housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The government has set out its goals for the mental health services in the Five Year Forward View however it is up to us all to ensure that these aspirations are realized.
As the Time for Action Report highlights investing in the mental health of children and young adults is essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health spending and funding is a 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 reflected in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health, which brings together more than 140 organisations from the social and health care sector that have agreed to an unifying commitment to make prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has declared that it is committed in addressing the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health and the gap between mental and physical healthcare. However, there is still plenty to be done. We need to change the way we think about mental health and how we talk about it. We need to break down the barriers which continue to divide us and create a culture where mental health is as important as physical well-being.