Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS launched 70 years ago, medical advances and treatments have been provided free of charge to those in need. But mental health has yet to see the same progress.
Many reported feeling positive about their mental health, but worried that other people might not be as well. They also discussed the effects of poor economic conditions on their own and other' mental wellbeing.
1. Get assistance
One of the most crucial steps to take when you're struggling with mental health issues is seeking for help. It's important to seek help even if the situation is difficult. There are many ways to get assistance such as therapy and lifestyle changes. Each treatment is unique therefore you need to find the best one for your situation.
Recognizing that you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness is the first step to getting assistance. If you notice changes in the way that someone you know acts, thinks, or feels, it's important to act. This often means talking to the person concerned and asking for their assistance. You might also join a support group. This can help you find people who understand what you're going through.
It is also essential to speak with friends and family about your feelings. They can lend an ear to listen, and they may be able to refer you to an expert. In addition, talking about your feelings can be a form of relief from stress, and it can give you perspective on the current situation in your life.
People suffering from mental health issues can suffer from a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of mental health issues is different from person to. It isn't easy to determine whether a symptom is a normal reaction to a stressful situation or the sign that a serious illness is developing.
Mental illnesses can have an enormous impact on a person's everyday life. Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on the daily life, from their work to their relationships, to their overall well-being and happiness. In listen to this podcast , they can affect their physical health. People who suffer from mental health issues are more likely than other people to experience physical symptoms that aren't medically accounted for.
In recent times there has been an alteration in how we think about mental health. The stigma associated with mental illness is decreasing and more people are seeking treatment. Receiving help is a positive step towards a happier, healthier, more productive life. It is recommended to begin by talking to your primary physician. They can usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist, or professional counselor who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up!
Mental health issues are finally getting the attention they deserve. A myriad of tragic news stories and well-known campaigns, along with growing awareness, have brought them to light. But, we have a long way to be before physical and mental health are considered equal priorities in the UK.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ring-fenced, and therefore are 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 of disinvestment is taking place, but evidence is difficult to come by. The lack of data consolidated about the state of local services as well as the fact that the key performance indicators are the same for the entire system (e.g. a maximum waiting time of 18 weeks to refer a patient from primary care to a specialist) are applicable to both mental and physical health, yet are treated differently when it comes to defining the budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To tackle this issue, a new method of building mental resilience is needed. This must be led by local people who are comfortable with their communities, including faith-based groups and community groups. These groups will have to be supported and facilitated with the right training, resources and assistance to enhance their role in creating mental wellbeing across all age groups.
Doctors should also be equipped with the resources they need to provide regular check-ins that aren't burdened by demand. They can also connect people to evidence-based self-management advice and peer assistance. This will reduce the pressure placed on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more effective.
In addition, the public should be encouraged to play a more active role in their own health by taking control of how they spend their free time, making healthier lifestyle choices, and seeking support whenever they need it. This can be accomplished by volunteering, participating in local events and raising funds for mental health charities as in addition to attending or coordinating workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness classes.
3. Taking control
When it comes to mental health, the UK is a world leader. There is still much work to be done. There are still many people who suffer from mental health problems but do not seek help because of the stigma. In fact, they often wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical assistance. This can result in an extended period of suffering, more expensive expenses, and a higher risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease or cancer.
The good news is mental health has gotten better since the NHS launched 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are now more advanced, and mental illness are being discussed more freely than ever before. But there is still more to be done, and the stigma of mental illness remains a significant obstacle.
The demand for services rises as the number of people suffering from mental health issues increases. The government is committing to investing an additional PS2.3 billion per year to expand and improve services across the nation. This will enable 2 million more people to get assistance and improve health outcomes.
There is also work being done to address the disparity 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 create a special network in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance call-outs for people in crisis and improve response times and care for those with mental health needs. The government is also extending its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by an additional PS7 million to reduce waiting times and increase the number of people who receive assistance.
If you are struggling there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit a local branch. They offer free, non-judgmental and confidential assistance to anyone experiencing emotional stress. They are available by phone, email or mail all hours of the day.
4. Insisting on action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's important to act. The right support can keep you healthy and well.
One of four people will suffer from mental illness in the UK at some point during their life. However, it is important to remember that most mental health issues are solvable. Most mental health problems are short-term and mild and can be managed by a doctor with medication. Some, such as anxiety and depression, can be a result of difficult life events such as bereavement or a breakup in a relationship, however stress at work may contribute to them.
We can all take steps to ensure our mental health and well-being by eating healthy, having a balanced diet, getting enough rest, being active and managing stress. Every person's needs are different and, at times, we require additional assistance. This can include talking therapies, occupational therapists or medication.
There's also a wide array of support and charity services that can help with a variety of issues like housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward perspective outlines the government's aspirations for mental health services. It is our responsibility to help make those goals into reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights that investing in the mental health of children and young adults is vital. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health expenditure and funding is an issue of lottery.
Health and social care professionals are increasingly putting prevention at the center of their efforts to improve the mental health of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organisations from the health and social care sector that have agreed to a shared commitment to make the prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has made it clear that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities of mental health, and the gap between mental and physical health care. There is still a lot to be done. We must change the way we think and talk about mental health. We must break down the barriers that continue to divide us and to create an environment where people value mental wellbeing as much as physical health.