Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, physical health has seen medical advancements and treatments that are free at the point of need. Mental health has not had the same benefits.
Many reported feeling great about their mental health, yet were concerned that others might not be as well. People also discussed the impact that economic challenges have on their own mental wellbeing and that of others.
1. Get help
One of the most important steps when you're dealing with mental health issues is to seek for help. It's important to seek help even if the situation is difficult. There are many options to seek help, such as treatment, lifestyle changes and medication. Each treatment is unique and therefore it is important to determine what works best for you.
Recognizing that you or someone else you know suffers from mental illness is the first step to seeking assistance. best private mental health hospitals uk to act if you notice a shift in how you or someone else around you thinks or is feeling. Often, this means talking to them and seeking help. You might also consider joining a support group, which could help you find people who are able to understand what you're experiencing.
You should also talk to your family and acquaintances about how you're experiencing. They can lend an understanding ear and may be in a position to refer you to an expert. Talking about your emotions is a great way to reduce stress and gain a new perspective on your life.
People who suffer from mental health issues may experience many different symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of mental health problems differs from person to. It isn't easy to determine if a symptom is an ordinary reaction to a stressful event or the sign that there is a serious illness that has been diagnosed.
Mental illnesses can have a huge impact on the daily life. They can impact everything from relationships and work to their overall wellbeing and happiness. They can also have an enormous impact on your physical health. People who have mental health issues are more likely than others to experience physical symptoms that aren't medically explained.
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. Self-care is the first step towards living a more positive, healthier lifestyle. It is recommended to begin by speaking with your primary care physician. They can recommend a professional psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist with expertise in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up!
A myriad of tragic news stories, high profile campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health issues the importance they merit. We still have a way to go before physical and mental health 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 in terms of funding. It has led to anecdotal evidence suggesting that the same level disinvestment is occurring, but hard evidence is difficult to come by. The lack of data consolidated about the state of local services as well as the fact that key performance indicators are similar across the entire system (e.g. The maximum time for referral from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This is the case for both physical and psychological health. However, the budget and monitoring of the availability of services and quality are distinct.
To address this, a new approach is needed to building mental health resilience, and this should be facilitated at the local level by those who know their communities best - such as community groups, faith groups, local charities, children's groups and community-based peer support groups. These groups must be supported and guided by the right training, resources and assistance to enhance their role in creating mental health for all age groups.
The GPs must also be given the resources they need to offer regular check-ins, which aren't overloaded by demand. They can also connect people to evidence-based self-management advice and peer support. This will help reduce the strain on the NHS as a whole and will allow for greater capacity in mental health services.
The public should also be encouraged to play more actively in their own health by taking charge of their leisure time, choosing healthier choices and seeking help when needed. This could include volunteering, taking part in community events and fundraising for local mental health charities as well as by organizing workplace health events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
The UK is a leader in the world in terms of mental health care. But there is much work to be accomplished. There are many who suffer from mental health issues but don't seek help due to the stigma attached. In reality, they typically wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical assistance. This can result in a longer period of suffering, more expensive treatment and a higher risk of developing life-threatening conditions such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental health has gotten better since the NHS launched 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly, and treatment options are more sophisticated. However, there's still a lot to be done, and the stigma is still a major obstacle.
As the number of people suffering from mental health issues continues to rise the demand for services is growing. The government is committed to investing an additional PS2.3 billion annually to expand and improve services across the nation. This will allow 2 million people to get help and improve outcomes.
There is also a lot being made to address the gap in the funding for physical and mental health, as well as 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 developed to introduce a network specialised in mental health ambulances. mental illness assessment will reduce the use of general ambulance calls-outs for people in crisis and will improve response times and treatment for those suffering from mental health problems. The government is also expanding its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by another PS7 million to reduce waiting times and increase the number of people who receive support.
There is always someone to assist you if you're going through a difficult time. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or visit a branch in your area. They provide confidential, free and non-judgemental support for anyone who is in emotional suffering. They are available via email, phone or by letter all hours of the day.
4. Take action
It's important to act if you're worried about your mental health. The right support can help keep you healthy and happy.
One out of four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point during their life. However, it is important to remember that most mental health problems can be overcome. Most of them are minor, short-term and can be treated with medication by an GP. Certain, like depression and anxiety, could be a reaction to difficult life events, such as bereavement, or a break-up in a relationship, however stress at work may contribute to them.
We can all take steps to ensure our mental health and well-being, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, being active and managing stress. But everyone's needs are different and sometimes, we need more help. This can include things like occupational therapy, speech therapy or medications.
There is also a wide variety of charities and support services that can help with a myriad of issues including housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward perspective outlines the government's aspirations for mental health services. It is up to us to help make those goals into reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights investing in the mental health of children and young people is vital. 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 reflected by the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organisations in the health and social care sectors who have committed to making prevention of mental illness their primary goal.
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 still much to be done. We must change the way we think and talk about mental health. We need to break down the barriers that divide us and to build an environment where people are concerned about mental wellbeing just as they value physical wellbeing.