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 free at the point of need. Mental health hasn't had the same benefits.
Many reported feeling great about their mental health, but worried that other people might not be as well. People also discussed the impact that poor economic conditions have on their own mental wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of others.
1. Get assistance
Finding help is the first step towards taking care of your mental health. It can be a challenge, but it's vital for your health. There are many ways to seek help, such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Each treatment is different and you must choose the one that works best for your particular situation.
The first step in getting help is recognizing that you or someone you know suffers from an issue with mental health. If you notice changes in the way that someone you know thinks, feels or acts, it's important to act. This often means talking to the person and asking their assistance. Joining a support network can help you find others who understand your needs.
You should also talk to your family and acquaintances about how you're experiencing. They may be able to lend an understanding ear and may be able to refer you to an expert. In addition, talking about your feelings can be a way of stress relief, and it can help you see the bigger picture of the current situation in your life.
People with mental health issues can experience various 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 an normal reaction to a stressful situation or the sign that an illness of serious severity has developed.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on the daily life. Mental illnesses can have a huge impact on a person's everyday life, from their job to their relationships, to their overall well-being and happiness. In addition, they can have a significant effect on physical health. For instance, people who have mental health problems are more likely to experience undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent times, there has been an evolution in how we think about mental health. The stigma around mental illness is decreasing and more people are seeking treatment. Finding help is a positive step towards a happier, healthier, more productive life. The best place to begin is to consult your primary health care provider. They will usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
A plethora of tragic stories in the news, high-profile campaigns and a growing awareness have given mental health issues the importance they merit. There is still a long to go before mental and physical health in the UK are treated equally.
In England, mental healthcare services aren't ringfenced and are therefore subject to the same financial pressures as acute/physical health services. This has led to reports of the same level of disinvestment is happening, but evidence on this is hard to find. Attempts to identify such trends have been hindered by the lack of consolidated data on the overall condition of local services, as well as due to the fact that the same system-wide key performance indicators (e.g. the maximum wait time of 18 weeks to refer a patient from primary care to a specialist) apply to both physical and mental health, but are treated differently when it is time to define the budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To tackle this issue, a new method is required to build mental health resilience. it must be led at the local level by those who are the best in their communities - such as community groups, faith groups local charities, children's organizations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will require the right training and facilitation, as well as resources and support to contribute to developing mental wellness across all age groups.
GPs must also be given the tools to provide regular check-ins that aren't overloaded by demand and can link people onto evidence-informed self-management advice or peer assistance. This will ease the burden on the NHS as a whole and will allow for greater capacity in mental health services.
The general public must be encouraged to take more actively in their own wellbeing by taking charge of their leisure time, pursuing healthier choices and seeking help when they need it. This could be through volunteering, participating in community events and fundraising for local mental health charities and through attending or organising workplace health activities like mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
The UK is a world leader in the world when it comes to mental healthcare. But there is still much work to be accomplished. There are still many people who have mental health issues but don't seek help due to the stigma attached. They usually wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical help. This can lead to prolonged suffering, greater costs and a higher risk of developing life-threatening illnesses like cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental health care has come a long way since the NHS was launched 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are now more advanced, and mental disorders are being talked about more often than ever before. However, there's still a lot to be done, and stigma is still a major obstacle.
As the number of people suffering from mental health issues continues to rise and the demand on services is growing. The government has pledged to invest an additional PS2.3 billion annually to improve and transform mental health services across the country. This will enable 2 million people to receive help and improve outcomes.
There is also more being taken to address the gap in funding between mental and physical health, as well 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 introduce a network specialised in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance call-outs for people in crisis and improve response times and provide care to those with mental health problems. linked web-site will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7million to reduce waiting times and increase the number of people who receive support.
If you're struggling 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, confidential and non-judgemental support for anyone who is in emotional trouble. They are available 24 hours a day and can be reached by telephone, email or letter.
4. Take action
If you're concerned about your mental health, it's important to take action. The right support can keep you in good health and well.
One out of four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point in their life. However, it is important to remember that most mental health problems can be resolved. The majority of them are short-term, mild and can be treated with medication from an GP. Certain ailments, such as anxiety and depression can be a result of difficult life events, such as grieving over a loss or break-up in the course of a relationship. Stress at work could also be a contributing to the cause.
We can all take steps to ensure our mental health and wellbeing, such as eating healthy, having a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercising, as well as managing stress. Each person's needs differ, and sometimes we need additional help. This can include occupational therapy, talking therapies or medication.
There is also a wide array of support and charity services that can help with a range of issues like housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The government has laid out its aspirations for the mental health services in the Five Year Forward View, but it's our responsibility to ensure that these aspirations become reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights, investing in the mental health of children and young adults is vital. CAMHS spending is currently behind spending on adult mental health and funding is an issue of lottery.
Health and social care providers are increasingly putting prevention at the heart of their work 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 organizations from the health and social care sectors that have committed to making the prevention of mental illness their primary goal.
The NHS has made clear that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities that surround mental health, and the gap between physical and mental health care. There is still much to be done. We must alter the way that we think and speak about mental health. We must break down the barriers which continue to divide us and create a culture where mental health is valued just as physical wellbeing.