Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, health care has seen medical advancements and treatments, free at the point of need. However, mental health has yet to see the same progress.
Many reported feeling satisfied with their mental health, however many were worried that others weren't. They also discussed the effect of economic hardship on their own and other' mental health.
1. Helping yourself
One of the most important actions to take when you're dealing with mental health issues is seeking for help. It is crucial to seek help, even if it is difficult. There are many ways to get help, including treatment, lifestyle changes and medications. Each treatment is unique therefore you need to find the one that is most effective for your situation.
Recognizing that you or someone else you know is suffering from a mental illness is the first step in getting assistance. It's crucial to act if you notice a change in how someone you know acts, thinks or feels. This often means talking to the person concerned and asking for assistance. You may also want to think about joining a support group, which can be beneficial in locating others who are able to understand what you're experiencing.
You should also talk to your family and your friends about how you're feeling. They can offer an understanding ear and may be in a position to refer you to a professional. Talking about your emotions is a great way to relieve stress and gain a new perspective on your life.
People suffering from mental health issues can suffer from many different symptoms, ranging from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of these problems varies widely from person to person making it difficult to determine if it is a natural response to a stressful situation or the sign of an illness that is serious.
Mental illness can have a profound impact on the daily life. Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on the daily life, from their job to their relationships, to their happiness and overall wellbeing. They can also have a major impact on your physical health. For example, people with mental health issues are more likely to experience undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent years there has been a shift in the way we view mental health. The stigma around mental illness is decreasing, and more people are seeking treatment. Self-care is the first step towards living a more positive, healthier lifestyle. The best way to begin is to consult a primary medical professional. They will usually recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
A plethora of tragic news stories, prominent campaigns and increasing awareness have given mental health problems the importance they merit. There is still a long to go before physical and mental health issues in the UK are treated equally.
In England, mental healthcare services aren't ringfenced and are therefore under the same funding pressures as acute or physical health care services. It has given rise to a few instances of evidence that the same level of disinvestment is occurring, but hard proof is difficult to find. The absence of consolidated information regarding the condition of local services as well as the fact that key performance indicators are similar across the entire system (e.g. what is a mental health assessment for referral from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This is applicable to both physical and psychological health. However the budget and monitoring of service availability and quality are different.
To tackle this issue, a new approach is needed to building mental health resilience. And this should be facilitated at the local level by people who are familiar with their communities including religious groups, community groups local charities, children's organisations and community-based peer support groups. These groups require the proper training and facilitation, as well as resources and support in order to play their part in improving mental health across all age groups.
GPs should also be provided with the tools they need to conduct regular check-ins which are not overburdened by demand. They can also connect patients to evidence-based self-management guidance and peer assistance. This will lessen the burden placed on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more effective.
The public should also be encouraged to play a more active part in their own wellbeing by taking charge of their leisure time, adopting healthier lifestyles and seeking help when needed. This can be accomplished by volunteering, participating in local events and raising funds for mental health charities, as well as attending or organizing workplace health activities like mindfulness classes.
3. Taking control
The UK is a leader in the world when it comes to mental health. There is still much work to be done. There are many who suffer from mental health issues but don't seek help due to the stigma attached. In fact, they often wait until their symptoms get severe before seeking medical assistance. This can result in an extended period of suffering, higher expenses, and a higher risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is 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. There is still a lot to be done, and stigma remains a major obstacle.
As the number of people with mental health issues continues to rise and the demand on services is growing. The government is committing to investing an extra PS2.3 billion a year to expand and improve services across the nation. This will allow 2 million people to receive assistance and improve outcomes.
More is also being done to tackle the inequality in funding between physical and mental health, and to address the barriers that prevent people from seeking 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 also plans to create an array of specially-trained mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance calls-outs for people in crisis, and increase the speed of response and care 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 receiving help.
If you are having a hard time, there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or go to one of their local branches. They offer free, non-judgmental and confidential support to those experiencing emotional anxiety. They are available via email, phone or mail anytime of the day.
4. Insisting on action
It's crucial to take action if you're worried about your mental health. The right support can keep you healthy and happy.
One out of four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point during their life. But, it is important to remember that many mental health issues are solvable. Most mental health problems are mild and short-term and can be managed by a doctor with medication. Certain conditions, such as anxiety and depression may be the result of difficult life circumstances, like the loss of a loved one, or a breakup in an intimate relationship. Stress at work can be a contributing factor.
We can all take steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing, such as eating healthy, having a balanced diet, sleeping enough and being active, as well as taking control of stress. But everyone's needs are different and at times, we may need more assistance. This could include things like talking therapies, occupational therapy or medication.
There's also a broad variety of charities and support services that can help with a variety of issues, including addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward view outlines the goals of the government for mental health services. It is our responsibility to make those dreams into reality.
Investing in children and young people's mental health, as outlined by the Time for Action report, 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 now at the core of the work of health and social care providers to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is reflected by the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organizations from the social and health care sectors who have committed to making prevention of mental illness their priority.
The NHS has declared that it is committed to tackling stigma and inequalities within mental health, and also the gap between mental and physical healthcare. There is much to be done. We need to change the way that we think and discuss mental health. We need to break down the barriers which continue to divide us, and build a society where mental wellbeing is as important as physical wellbeing.