Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, health care has seen advances in medical technology and treatments that are at no cost when in need. But mental health is not yet seen the same kind of progress.
Many reported feeling positive about their mental health, but worried that others might not be as well. People also discussed the impact of economic hardship on their mental wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of others.
1. Need help?
One of the most crucial actions to take when you're struggling with mental health issues is seeking out help. It's important to seek help, even if it is difficult. There are many options 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 particular situation.
Recognizing that you or someone else you know suffers from mental illness is the first step towards getting assistance. If you notice a change in the way that someone you know is feeling, thinks or behaves it's essential to act. This often means talking to the person concerned and asking for assistance. Joining a support network can assist you in finding others who can relate to your situation.
It is also advisable to talk to your family and acquaintances about how you're feeling. They can offer an ear to listen, and they may be able to refer you to an expert. Additionally, discussing mental health assesment I Am Psychiatry can be a way of stress relief and will help you gain perspective on the events in your life.
Mental health issues can trigger a variety of symptoms. They range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. The severity of mental health issues varies from person to person. It isn't easy to determine if a symptom is an normal response to a stressful event or the sign that a serious illness has developed.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person’s daily life. They can impact everything from their work and relationships to their overall wellbeing and happiness. Additionally, they may affect their physical health. For example, people with mental health issues are more likely to suffer from medically unexplained physical symptoms.
In recent years there is a shift in the perception of mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Making yourself more comfortable is the first step to living a more positive, healthier lifestyle. It is best to begin by speaking with your primary care doctor. They may recommend a specialist counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
Mental health issues are now receiving the attention they merit. A myriad of tragic news stories and high-profile campaigns, along with increasing awareness, have brought them to light. However, we have a long way to get to where physical and mental health are treated as equal in the UK.
In England Mental healthcare services are not ringfenced, and are therefore subject to the same financial pressures as acute/physical health care services. This has led to reports that a similar disinvestment levels are happening, but evidence of this is difficult to locate. The attempts to determine these trends have been hampered by a lack of comprehensive data on the overall condition of local services and due to the fact that the same system-wide key performance indicators (e.g. The maximum amount of time to refer patients from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This is the case for 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 resilience is needed. This should be facilitated by local people who are comfortable with their communities, for instance religious groups and community groups. These groups will need to be supported and facilitated with the right training, resources and assistance to enhance their role in promoting mental health for all age groups.
GPs should also be provided with the resources they require to conduct regular check-ins which aren't overloaded by the demands. They could then connect patients to evidence-based self-management guidance and peer assistance. This will lessen the burden put on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more effective.
Additionally, the general public must be encouraged to take a more active role in their own health by deciding how they spend their leisure time, making healthier lifestyle choices, and seeking support when they require it. This can be done through volunteering, attending local events and fundraising for mental health charities as in addition to attending or coordinating workplace health events like mindfulness classes.
3. Controlling
When it comes to mental health, the UK is the world's leader. There is much work to do. There are still many people who suffer from mental health problems but don't seek help due to the stigma attached. In reality, they usually wait until their symptoms become more severe before seeking medical assistance. This can result in a longer period suffering, greater expenses, and a higher risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental health care has advanced since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly and treatment options are now more advanced. There is much to be done, and stigma remains a major barrier.
The demand for services rises as the number of people suffering from mental health issues grows. The government has committed to investing an additional PS2.3 billion per year to expand and improve services across the country. This will allow 2 million people to get help and improve outcomes.
There is also a lot 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 establish a network that is specialized in mental health ambulances. This will decrease the number of general ambulance calls-outs for people in crisis and improve response times and care for those with mental health problems. The government is also increasing its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by an additional PS7 million to cut down waiting times and increase the number of people who receive help.
If you're struggling there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or visit a local branch. They provide free, non-judgmental and confidential support to anyone suffering from emotional anxiety. They are available via phone, email, or letter 24 hours a days.
4. Taking action
It's important to act when you're concerned about your mental health. The right support can help you get well and stay healthy.
One out of four people in UK will suffer from mental illness at some moment in their lives however, it's important to keep in mind that you can recover from many mental health problems. Most mental health problems are mild and short-term, and can be treated by a physician with medication. Some, such as depression and anxiety, could be a reaction to difficult life events such as bereavement or a breakdown in a relationship, however stress at work can also contribute to these.
We can all do things to improve our mental health, including eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and physical activity and learning how to manage stress. Everyone's needs vary, and sometimes we need additional assistance. This could include things like occupational therapy, speech therapy or medications.
There are numerous organizations and support services to help with various issues, such as housing, debts, addictions and eating disorders. The government has laid out its aspirations for the mental health services in the Five Year Forward View however it is our responsibility to ensure that these aspirations become reality.
investing in the mental health of children and young people's health, as outlined by the Time for Action report, is crucial. CAMHS spending is currently behind spending on adult mental health and funding is an issue of lottery.
Prevention is now at the core of the work of social and health care providers to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is reflected in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings more than 140 organizations from the health and social care sector that have pledged an unifying commitment to make preventing mental illness a priority.
The NHS has stated that it is determined to address the stigma and inequalities of mental health and the gap between mental and physical health care. But, there's plenty to be done. We need to change the mental health and the way we discuss it. We must break down the barriers that continue to divide us and to create an environment where people value mental health as much as physical health.