Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was first introduced 70 years ago, health care has seen improvements in medical science and treatments that are free of charge at times of need. Mental health hasn't had the same benefits.
Many reported feeling satisfied with their own mental health, but many were concerned that others weren't. They also discussed the effect of economic downturns on their and other peoples' mental health.
1. Getting help
One of the most crucial actions to take when you're struggling with mental health issues is to seek out help. It's crucial to seek assistance regardless of whether it's difficult. There are many ways to seek help, such as therapies, lifestyle changes, and medications. Each treatment is different therefore you need to find the best one for your specific situation.
The first step in seeking help is to recognize that you or someone you know has a mental health problem. If you notice changes in the way someone you know acts, thinks, or feels, it's important to act. This usually means speaking to the person and asking assistance. Joining a support network can help you find others who understand your needs.
mental health diagnostic assessment is also important to talk with your family and friends about how you are feeling. They can lend a sympathetic ear and may even refer you to professionals. Talking about your feelings is a great way to reduce stress and gain a new perspective on your life.
People suffering from mental health issues can suffer from a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of mental health problems is different from person to. It isn't easy to determine if a symptom is an ordinary reaction to a stressful event or a sign that a serious illness has developed.
Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person's daily life. They can affect everything from their work and relationships to their overall wellbeing and happiness. They can also have an enormous impact on your physical health. People with mental health issues are more likely than other people to have physical symptoms that aren't medically accounted for.
In recent years there has been a shift in the way we view mental health. The stigma associated with mental illness is decreasing, and more people are seeking treatment. Self-care is the first step to living a more positive, healthier lifestyle. It is recommended to start by consulting your primary care physician. They can recommend a professional psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist who is specialized in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
A multitude of tragic stories in the news, high-profile campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health problems the attention they deserve. There is still a long way to go until physical and mental health in the UK are treated equally.
In England, mental healthcare services aren't ringfenced and are therefore subject to the same funding pressures as acute or physical health care services. This has led to reports that the same level of disinvestment is happening, but evidence on this is hard to locate. The lack of consolidated data on the state of local services and the fact that the key performance indicators are the same across the entire system (e.g. The maximum referral time from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This is applicable to both physical and psychological health. However the budget and monitoring of availability of services and quality are different.
To solve this issue, a fresh approach is needed to building mental health resilience, and this must be led at the local level by people who are the best in their communities - such as religious groups, community groups, local charities, children's groups and community-based peer support groups. These groups require the proper training and facilitation, as well as support and resources to play their part in improving mental health across all age groups.
GPs must also be provided the tools to provide regular check-ins that aren't overwhelmed by demands and can connect patients to self-management advice or peer assistance. This will reduce the pressure placed on the NHS and will allow mental health services to be more effective.
The general public should also be encouraged to play an active role in their own well-being by taking control of their leisure time, choosing healthier choices and seeking help when they need it. This can be accomplished by volunteering, attending local events, and raising money for mental health charities, as well as attending or organizing workplace health activities like mindfulness classes.
3. Controlling the situation
When it comes to mental health in the field of mental health, the UK is an international leader. But there is still much work to be accomplished. Many people with mental health issues still do not seek assistance due to the stigma attached to them. In reality, they typically wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical attention. This could lead to a longer period suffering, more expensive expenses, and a higher chance of developing life-threatening illnesses such as 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 the treatment options are now more advanced. There is still much to be done and stigma is a major obstacle.
The pressure on services grows as the number of patients suffering from mental health issues increases. The government has committed to invest an additional PS2.3 billion per year to expand and transform mental health services across the country. This will support 2 million more people to get assistance and improve healthcare outcomes.
There is also a greater effort being made to address the disparity in funding between physical and mental health, and to tackle the barriers that hinder people from seeking 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 an array of specially-trained mental health ambulances. This will reduce the number of general ambulance calls for patients in crisis and increase the service and response times for those suffering from mental health issues. The government is also extending its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by another PS7 million to cut down waiting times and increase the number of people receiving help.
If you are struggling there is always someone to talk to. The Samaritans can be reached by calling 116 123, or visit one of their local branches. They offer free, non-judgmental and confidential assistance to anyone who is suffering from emotional stress. They are available by phone, email or mail all hours of the day.
4. Take action
It's important to act when you're concerned about your mental health. The right support can help keep you in good health and well.
One in four people in the UK will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives, but it's important to know that you can recover from many mental health issues. The majority of them are short-term, mild and can be treated with medication administered by an GP. Certain conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can be a reaction to difficult life events, such as bereavement, or a break-up in a relationship. However, stress at work can cause them.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health and wellbeing by eating an appropriate diet, sleeping enough and exercising, as well as learning how to manage stress. But every person's needs are unique and sometimes, we need more assistance. This could be through 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, including addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward perspective outlines the goals of the government's mental health services. It is our responsibility to help make those goals a 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 adult mental health expenditure and funding is a lottery.
Prevention is becoming the center of the efforts of health and social care providers to improve the mental health of their communities. This is reflected in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health, which brings together more than 140 organisations from the social and health care sectors that have signed up to an unifying commitment to make preventing mental illness a top priority.
The NHS has made it clear that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities in mental health and the gap between mental and physical health care. But, there's plenty to be done. We need to change the way that we think and discuss mental health. We must remove the barriers that divide us and create a culture where mental health is valued just as physical wellbeing.