Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, medical advances and treatments have been provided free of charge to those who need it. Mental health has not seen the same advancements.
Many people reported feeling good about their mental health, yet were worried that other people might not. They also discussed the impact of economic downturns on their own and others well-being.
1. Get assistance
Finding help is the first step to taking care of your mental health. It's crucial to seek assistance regardless of whether it's difficult. There are many ways to get help, including treatment, lifestyle changes and medications. Each treatment is different and you must choose the one that works best for your particular situation.
Recognizing that you or someone else you know is suffering from mental illness is the first step towards getting assistance. If you notice an alteration in the way that someone you know acts, thinks, or feels it's crucial to act. Often, this means talking to them and asking for help. Joining a support group could assist you in finding others who can relate to your situation.
It is also important to talk with your family and friends about how you are experiencing. They can offer a sympathetic ear, and they may be able to refer you to a professional. Talking about I Am Psychiatry is a great way to reduce anxiety and gain a fresh perspective on your life.
Mental health issues can trigger a variety of symptoms. These can range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. The severity of mental health problems varies from person to person. It isn't easy to determine if a sign is an ordinary response to a stressful event or a sign that an illness of serious severity has been diagnosed.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on the daily life. Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on a person's everyday life, from their job to their relationships to their wellbeing and happiness. In addition, they can affect their physical health. For example, people with mental health problems are more likely to have medically unexplained physical symptoms.
In recent years there has been a shift in the perception of mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Finding assistance is a great step towards a happier, healthier, more productive life. The best way to begin is to talk to a primary health care provider. They can usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist or a professional counselor who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
A multitude of tragic news stories, prominent campaigns and increasing awareness have given mental health issues the attention they deserve. We have a long way to go before mental and physical health issues in the UK are treated equally.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ringfenced, and are therefore subject to the same funding pressures as acute/physical health care services. It has given rise to anecdotal evidence that the same level of disinvestment is taking place, but evidence is hard to come by. The lack of data consolidated regarding the condition of local services as well as the fact that the key performance indicators are the same for the entire system (e.g. The maximum amount of time to refer patients from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This applies to both psychological and physical health. However, the budget and monitoring of the availability of services and quality are different.
To tackle this issue, an innovative approach to building mental strength is required. This should be facilitated by local people who are familiar with their communities, for instance faith-based groups and community groups. These groups must be supported and assisted with the proper training, resources, and assistance to enhance their role in promoting mental wellbeing across all age groups.
GPs must also be provided the tools to provide regular check-ins, which are not overwhelmed by demand and can connect patients to evidence-based self-management advice or peer support. This will help to reduce the burden on the NHS in general and increase the capacity within mental health services.
The public should also be encouraged to play an active role in their own health by taking charge of their leisure time, adopting healthier lifestyles and seeking help when they need it. This could include volunteering, attending community events and fundraising for local mental health charities as well as through attending or organising workplace health events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Controlling
In terms of mental health, the UK is a world leader. But there is much work to be done. There are still many people who suffer from mental health problems but do not seek help due to the stigma attached. They often wait until symptoms become severe before seeking medical assistance. This can lead to an extended period of suffering, greater expenses, and a higher risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
The positive side is that mental health care has made significant progress since the NHS was created 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly and treatment options are more sophisticated. There is still much to be done and stigma is a major obstacle.
As the number of people suffering from mental health problems continues to increase, pressure on services is increasing. The government has promised to invest an additional PS2.3 billion per year to expand and improve mental health services in the country. This will allow 2 million people to receive help and improve outcomes.
There is also more being taken to address the gap in funding between mental and physical health, and the barriers that prevent people 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 use of general ambulance call-outs for those in need, and increase the speed of response and care for those with mental health needs. The government is also extending its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by another PS7 million to cut down waiting times and increase the number of people who receive support.
If you are having a hard time you can always find someone to talk to. The Samaritans can be reached on 116 123 or visit one of their local branches. They offer free, non-judgmental and confidential assistance to anyone who is suffering from emotional distress. They are available via phone, email or by letter anytime of the day.
4. Take action
It's essential to take action if you're worried about your mental well-being. The right support can help keep you in good health and well.
One out of four people in UK will suffer from mental illness at some moment 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 from a GP. Some conditions, like depression and anxiety, are a result of life-changing circumstances, like grieving over a loss, or a breakup in a relationship. Stress at work can be a factor.
We can all take steps to ensure our mental health and wellbeing, such as eating an appropriate diet, getting enough rest, being active and managing stress. However, everyone's needs are different and sometimes, we need more assistance. This can include talking therapies, occupational therapists or medications.
There's also a wide range of charities and support 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 service in the Five Year Forward View, but it's our responsibility to ensure that these aspirations become reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights that investing in the mental health of children and adolescents is crucial. However, public spending on CAMHS is currently behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a lottery for postcodes.
Health and social care providers are increasing putting prevention at heart of their work to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together more than 140 organizations in the health and social care sectors that have committed to making the prevention of mental illness their priority.
The NHS has made clear that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities of mental health, as well as the gap between mental and physical healthcare. However, there is still plenty to be done. We need to change the way we think and talk about mental health. We must remove the barriers that continue to divide us, and build a society where mental wellbeing is valued as much as physical health.