Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS launched 70 years ago, medical advancements and treatments have been made available for free to people in need. But mental health is not yet seen the same advancements.
Many reported feeling great about their mental health, yet were worried that others might not be as well. They also discussed the impact of economic hardship on their own and other' mental wellbeing.
1. Getting help
Seeking help is the first step towards taking care of your mental health. This can be difficult, but it's vital for your wellbeing. There are a variety of methods to seek assistance such as therapy and lifestyle changes. Each treatment is unique and therefore it is important to find what works best for you.
The first step in getting help is recognizing that you or someone you know suffers from a mental health problem. It is crucial to act when you notice a change in how you or someone else around you thinks or is feeling. This could mean speaking to the person concerned and asking for their help. You may also consider joining a support group, which could be beneficial in locating people who are able to understand what you're experiencing.
It's also important to discuss with family and friends about how you feel. They could be an understanding ear and could even recommend you to a professional. Talking about your emotions is a great way to reduce anxiety and gain a fresh perspective on your life.
People who suffer from mental health issues can suffer from many different symptoms, from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of mental health problems differs from person to. It is difficult to determine if a symptom is a normal reaction to a stressful event or the sign that there is a serious illness that has developed.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person's daily life. Mental illnesses can have a significant impact on a person's daily life, from their work to their relationships to their overall well-being and happiness. They can also have a major impact on your physical health. For instance, those with mental health issues are more likely to experience medically unexplained physical symptoms.
In recent times, there has been a shift in our perception of mental health. The stigma around mental illness is decreasing and more people are seeking treatment. Making yourself more comfortable is the first step towards living a more positive, healthier lifestyle. It is recommended to begin by talking to your primary physician. They are usually able to recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
Mental health issues are finally receiving the attention they merit. A myriad of tragic stories in the news and well-known campaigns, along with growing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. There is still a long way to go until physical and mental health in the UK are treated equally.
In England, mental health services are not ring-fenced and so are not subject to the same pressures as acute/physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. This has led to anecdotal reports of the same level of disinvestment is happening, but evidence of this is difficult to find. In attempts to discern these trends, they have been hindered by the absence of data aggregation on the overall state of local services and due to the fact that the same system wide key performance indicators (e.g. a maximum waiting time of 18 weeks to refer a patient from primary care to a specialist) apply to both mental and physical health, but are interpreted differently when it comes to defining a budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To solve this issue, a fresh method of building mental health resilience, and this must be led at the local level by people who are the best in their communities like religious groups, community groups local charities, children's organisations and community-based peer support groups. These groups must be supported and facilitated with the appropriate training, resources and support to grow their role in creating mental health for all age groups.
GPs should also be equipped with the resources they require to provide regular check-ins which are not overburdened by the demand. They could then connect people to evidence-based self-management advice and peer assistance. This will reduce the pressure put on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more effective.
The general public must also be encouraged to play an active role in their own wellbeing by taking charge of their leisure time, pursuing healthier choices and seeking help whenever needed. This can be accomplished by volunteering, participating in local events, and raising money for mental health charities, as in addition to attending or coordinating workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Taking control
When it comes to mental health in the field of mental health, the UK is a world leader. But there is still much work to be completed. There are many who suffer from mental health problems but do not seek help because of the stigma. In reality, they typically wait until their symptoms become more severe before seeking medical assistance. This could lead to an extended period of suffering, more expensive treatment and greater risk of life-threatening illnesses like heart disease or cancer.
The good news is mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS launched 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly, and treatment options are more sophisticated. There is much to be done and stigma remains a major obstacle.
As this page of people with mental health issues continues to rise the demand for services is increasing. The government has pledged to invest PS2.3 billion per year to expand and improve mental health services across the country. This will allow 2 million people to get assistance and improve outcomes.
A lot is being done to address the disparity in funding between physical and mental health, and to address the barriers that prevent people from 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.
There are also plans to introduce a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will decrease the number of general ambulance call-outs for people in crisis, and will improve response times and care for those with mental health problems. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7 million to cut down on waiting times and increase the number who receive support.
If you are having a hard time there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123, or visit one of their local branches. They offer free, non-judgmental and confidential support to anyone who is suffering from emotional stress. They are available by phone, email or mail anytime of the day.
4. Take action
It's crucial to take action when you're concerned about your mental well-being. The right support can help keep you healthy and happy.
One out of four people in UK will experience mental illness at some point in their lives, but it's important to know that you can recover from many mental health problems. Most of them are minor, short-term and can be treated with medication administered by your doctor. Certain ailments, such as anxiety and depression can be a result of difficult life circumstances, like the loss of a loved one or break-up in the course of a relationship. Stress at work may also be a contributing factor.
We can all take steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing by eating healthy, having a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, being active and learning how to manage stress. Every person's needs are different and at times, we may require assistance. This can include things like talking therapies, occupational therapy or medications.
There is also a wide array of support and charity services that can assist with a range of issues like housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward view outlines the goals of the government for mental health services. It is up to us to help make those goals become a reality.
Insuring youngsters and young people's mental health, as highlighted by the Time for Action report, is crucial. But, spending by the public on CAMHS is currently lagging behind spending on adult mental health services. funding is a lottery for postcodes.
Health and social care professionals are increasingly putting prevention at the top of their agendas to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is reflected by the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health which brings together over 140 organisations in the health and social care sectors who have committed to making the prevention of mental illness their top priority.
The NHS has declared that it is firmly committed in addressing the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health, and also the gap between mental and physical healthcare. But, there's plenty to be done. We need to change the mental health and how we discuss it. We must break down the barriers that continue to divide us and create a culture where mental health is as important as physical well-being.