Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, physical health has seen advances in medical technology and treatments, free at the point of need. Mental health hasn't seen the same improvements.
Many people reported feeling good about their mental health, yet were concerned that others might not. They also discussed the effects that economic challenges have on their mental health and the wellbeing of others.
1. Need help?
Seeking help is the first step towards taking care of your mental health. It is crucial to seek help, even if it is difficult. There are many options to seek help, including treatment, lifestyle changes and medications. Each treatment is unique so it's crucial to find the best option for you.
The first step to seek help is recognizing that you or someone you know has an issue with mental health. It's crucial to act if you notice a shift in the way someone you know acts, thinks or is feeling. Most of the time, this means talking to them and seeking help. You might also join a support group, which can be beneficial in locating others who understand what you're going through.
You should also talk to your family and your friends about how you're experiencing. They can offer a sympathetic ear and may be able to refer you to a professional. Talking about your thoughts is a great method to reduce anxiety and gain a new perspective on your life.
People with mental health issues may experience many different symptoms, ranging from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of these disorders differs from one person to another and it can be difficult to determine if something is a natural response to stress or a sign of an illness that is serious.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on the daily life. Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person's daily life, from their work to their relationships, to their overall well-being and happiness. They can also have a significant impact on your physical health. For instance, people who have mental health issues are more likely to suffer from undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent years there has been a change in our perception of mental health. Mental illness is becoming less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Finding help is a positive step toward a happier, healthier, more productive life. The best way to begin is to talk to your primary care physician. They will usually recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist, or professional counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
A plethora of tragic stories in the news, high-profile campaigns and a growing awareness have given mental health problems the importance they merit. We have a long 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 are not subject to the same pressures that affect acute and physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. This has led to reports that the same level of disinvestment is taking place, but hard evidence on this is difficult to come by. In attempts to discern these trends, they have been hindered by the absence of consolidated data on the overall state of local services and by the fact that the same systemwide key performance indicators (e.g. The maximum referral time from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This is the case for both mental and physical health. However the budget and monitoring of availability of services and quality are distinct.
To tackle this issue, a new method of building mental health resilience. And this should be facilitated at the local level by those who are familiar with their communities including faith-based groups, community groups, local charities, children's organizations and community-based peer support groups. These groups require the proper training and facilitation, along with support and resources to play their part in developing mental wellness across all age groups.
GPs should also be provided with the resources to offer regular check-ins that aren't overloaded by demand and can link people onto evidence-informed self-management advice or peer support. This will ease the burden on the NHS in general and allow for more capacity within mental health services.
In addition, the public should be encouraged to take on a more active part in their own wellbeing by taking control of how they spend their free time, making healthier lifestyle choices and seeking help when they require it. This can be done through volunteering, attending local events and fundraising for mental health charities as well as attending or organizing workplace health events like mindfulness classes.
3. Take control
When it comes to mental health, the UK is a world leader. There is still a lot of work to be done. There are many who suffer from mental health problems but do not seek help because of the stigma. In reality, they usually wait until their symptoms get severe before seeking medical attention. This can lead to a longer period suffering, greater costs, and a higher chance of developing life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease or cancer.
The good news is that mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS was launched over 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly and the treatment options are more advanced. There is much to be done and stigma remains a major obstacle.
As the number of people suffering from mental health issues continues to rise the demand for services is increasing. The government is committing to investing an additional PS2.3 billion a year to expand and transform services across the country. This will allow 2 million people to get help and improve outcomes.
A lot is being done to address the disparity in funding between mental and physical health, as well as tackle the barriers that hinder people from accessing help. For full mental health assessment , 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 decrease the number of general ambulance calls-outs for those in need, and improve response times and care for those with mental health issues. The government is also expanding its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by another PS7 million to decrease waiting times and increase the number of people who receive assistance.
If you are struggling you can always find someone to talk to. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or visit a branch in your area. They provide free, non-judgemental and confidential assistance to anyone experiencing emotional stress. They are available via phone, email or mail anytime of the day.
4. Taking action
It's essential to take action when you're concerned about your mental well-being. The right support can help keep you healthy and well.
One of four people in the UK will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives, but it's important to remember that you can recover from many mental health problems. The majority of them are short-term, mild and can be treated with medication administered by a GP. Certain conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can be a result of difficult life events like bereavement or a break-up in a relationship, but stress at work can also contribute to these.
We can all do things to improve our mental health, including eating a balanced diet, taking enough rest, being physically active and learning how to manage stress. Everyone's needs vary and, at times, we require additional help. This could include things like talking therapies, occupational therapy or medication.
There is also a wide variety of charities and support services that can assist with a range of issues including addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward view outlines the government's aspirations for mental health services. It is our responsibility to help make those goals into reality.
investing in youngsters and young people's mental 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 professionals are increasingly putting prevention at the heart of their work to improve the mental health of their communities. This is reflected by the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organizations in the social and health care sectors who have committed to making prevention of mental illness their priority.
The NHS has stated that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities that surround mental health and the gap between mental and physical healthcare. However, there is still much to be done. We need to change the mental health and how we discuss it. We must break down the barriers that continue to divide us and to build a society in which people are concerned about mental wellbeing as much as physical wellbeing.