Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was first introduced 70 years ago, physical health has seen advances in medical technology and treatments, free of charge at times of need. However, mental health has not yet seen the same kind of progress.
People reported feeling good about their mental health, but many were worried about the health of others. They also discussed the effects of economic hardship on their own and others well-being.
1. Get assistance
Seeking help is the first step to taking care of your mental health. It's crucial to seek assistance even if the situation is difficult. There are many ways to seek help, including therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. Each treatment is unique, so it's important to determine what works best for you.
The first step to seek help is recognizing that you or someone you know has mental health issues. If you notice an alteration in the way that someone you know acts, thinks, or feels, it's important to take action. This usually means speaking to the person and asking for assistance. Joining a support network can assist you in finding others who can relate to your situation.
It's also important to discuss with your family and friends about your feelings. They may be able to lend a sympathetic ear, and they may be capable of referring you to an expert. Talking about your emotions is a great way to relieve anxiety and gain a new perspective on your life.
People suffering from mental health issues may experience many different symptoms, ranging from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of mental health problems varies from person to person. It can be difficult to determine if a sign is a normal reaction to a stressful event or a sign that a serious illness has been diagnosed.
Mental illness can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on a person's everyday life, from their job to their relationships to their happiness and overall wellbeing. They can also have a significant impact on your physical health. People who suffer from mental health issues are more likely than other people to have physical symptoms that aren't medically explained.
In recent times there has been a shift in how we think about mental health. The stigma around mental illness is diminishing, and more people are seeking treatment. Receiving assistance is a great step towards a healthier, happier and more productive lifestyle. It is recommended to start by consulting your primary physician. They may recommend a specialist psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist who is specialized in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
Mental health issues are finally receiving the attention they deserve. Numerous tragic news stories and well-known campaigns, as well as increasing awareness have brought them to the forefront. However, we have a long way get to where physical and mental health are considered equal priorities in the UK.
In England Mental health services in England are not ring-fenced and so are subject to the same pressures as acute/physical healthcare services in terms of funding. This has led to some reports that a similar disinvestment levels are taking place, but hard evidence on this is hard to find. The absence of consolidated information regarding the condition of local services and the fact that the most important performance indicators are similar across the entire system (e.g. the maximum waiting time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) apply to both mental and physical health, but are treated differently when it comes to defining an appropriate budget and monitoring availability and quality.
To address this issue, an innovative approach to building mental strength is needed. This must be led by local people who are a part of their communities, for instance community groups and faith groups. These groups will require the right training and facilitation, as well as support and resources to contribute in developing mental wellness across all age groups.
GPs must also be given the tools to provide regular check-ins that are not overloaded by demand and can connect patients to evidence-based self-management guidance or peer support. This will help to reduce the burden on the NHS as a whole and increase the capacity within the mental health services.
The general public must be encouraged to take an active role in their own well-being by taking control of their leisure time, pursuing healthier lifestyles and seeking help when they need it. This can be done through volunteering, participating in local events and raising funds for mental health charities as well as attending or organizing workplace health events like mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
In terms of mental health in the field of mental health, the UK is an international leader. There is still a lot of work to be done. There are assess mental health who have mental health issues but don't seek help because of the stigma. They usually wait until their symptoms are severe before seeking medical attention. This could lead to an extended period of suffering, higher costs and greater risk of life-threatening diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental healthcare has improved 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 pressure on services increases as the number of patients suffering from mental health issues increases. The government has promised to invest PS2.3 billion per year to expand and transform mental health services across the country. This will enable 2 million more people to get help and improve care and outcomes.
There is also a lot 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 establish a network that is specialized in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance call-outs for people in crisis, and improve response times and treatment for those suffering from mental health issues. 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 receiving help.
If you are 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, non-judgmental and confidential support to anyone experiencing emotional distress. They are accessible via phone, email or mail 24 hours a days.
4. Insisting on action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's important to take action. The right help 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 keep in mind that the majority of mental health issues can be resolved. The majority of them are short-term, mild and can be treated with medication administered by your doctor. Certain ailments, such as depression and anxiety, may be the result of difficult life circumstances, like grieving over a loss or a breakup in an intimate relationship. Stress at work can also be a contributing to the cause.
We can all do things to improve our mental health. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, being physically active and learning how to manage stress. Each person's needs differ and, at times, we require additional assistance. This could include occupational therapy, talking therapies or medication.
There's also a wide range of charities and support services that can assist with a range of issues like addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The government has laid out its goals for the mental health service in the Five Year Forward View however it is our responsibility to make sure those aspirations are realized.
Investing in the mental health of children and young people's health, as stated in the Time for Action report, is essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind spending on adult mental health and funding is a lottery.
Prevention is becoming the heart of the work of health and social care providers to improve the mental wellbeing of their communities. This is reflected by the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organisations in the health and social care sectors that have pledged to making the prevention of mental illness their priority.
The NHS has declared that it is firmly committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health, and also the gap between mental and physical health care. However, there is still plenty to be done. We need to change the way we think about mental health and the way we talk about it. We need to break down the barriers that divide us and to create a society in which people value mental health as much as physical wellbeing.