Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, physical health has seen medical advancements and treatments that are at no cost when in need. Mental health hasn't seen the same improvements.
Many reported feeling satisfied with their own mental health, however many were concerned that others weren't. They also discussed the effects of poor economic conditions on their own and others' mental health.
1. Get assistance
One of the most important steps when you're dealing with mental health issues is seeking out help. It is crucial to seek help even if the situation is difficult. There are many options to seek help, such as treatment, lifestyle changes and medications. Each treatment is different and therefore it is important to determine what works best for you.
The first step to seek help is recognizing that you or someone you know suffers from mental health issues. If you notice a change in the way someone you know is feeling, thinks or behaves, it's important to act. This usually means speaking to the person and asking assistance. You might also consider joining a support group, which can be helpful in finding people who understand what you're going through.
It is also advisable to talk to your family and acquaintances about how you're experiencing. They may be able to lend a sympathetic ear, and they may be capable of referring you to a professional. Talking about your emotions is a great way to ease anxiety and gain a fresh perspective on your life.
Mental health issues can cause a variety of symptoms. They range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder and even schizophrenia. The severity of these disorders varies widely from one person to another making it difficult to tell if it is a natural response to a stressful situation or a sign of an illness that is more serious.
Mental illness can have an enormous impact on the daily life. They can impact everything from relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. They can also have an enormous impact on your physical health. For instance, those with mental health issues are more likely to have medically unexplained physical symptoms.
In recent times there has been an alteration in the way we view mental health. Mental illness is becoming less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Receiving help is a positive step towards a healthier, happier, more productive life. The best place to begin is to talk to your primary health care provider. They can recommend a professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
A plethora of tragic news stories, high profile campaigns and a growing awareness have given mental health issues the attention they deserve. But, we have a long way to go before mental and physical health are considered equal priorities in the UK.
In England Mental health services in England are not ring-fenced, and therefore are subject to the same pressures as acute or physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. It has given rise to anecdotal evidence that the same level disinvestment is taking place, but evidence is hard to come by. The lack of consolidated data regarding the condition of local services and the fact that the key performance indicators are the same across the entire system (e.g. the maximum wait time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) are applicable to both mental and physical health, but are treated differently when it is determining an appropriate budget and monitoring availability and quality.
To address this, a new approach is needed to building mental health resilience, and this should be facilitated at the local level by people who are the best in their communities like faith-based groups, community groups local charities, children's organizations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will require the appropriate training and facilitation, as well as resources and support in order to contribute to creating mental wellness across all age groups.
GPs should also be provided with the resources they require to conduct regular check-ins that aren't burdened by the demand. They can then link patients to evidence-based self-management guidance and peer support. This will help to reduce the strain on the NHS in general and increase the capacity in mental health services.
The general public must be encouraged to take more actively in their own well-being by taking charge of their leisure time, adopting healthier lifestyles and seeking assistance whenever needed. This could include volunteering, participating in community events, or fundraising for local mental health charities and through attending or organising workplace health activities like mindfulness sessions.
3. Controlling
The UK is a leader in the world when it comes to mental health. There is still plenty of work to be done. There are still many people who have mental health issues but are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma. They typically wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical attention. This could lead to an extended period of suffering, greater costs, and a greater risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer or heart disease.
book a mental health assessment is mental health has gotten better since the NHS launched 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are now more advanced, and mental disorders are being discussed more often than ever before. There is still a lot to be done, and stigma is a major obstacle.
As how can i get a mental health assessment of people with mental health issues continues to rise, pressure on services is increasing. The government is committed to investing an extra PS2.3 billion annually to expand and transform services across the nation. This will allow 2 million people to get help and improve outcomes.
There is also a lot being taken to address the gap in the funding for physical and mental health, as well as 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.
There are also plans to create an array of specially-trained mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance calls-outs for those in need, and will improve response times and provide care to those with mental health issues. The government is also expanding its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by an additional PS7 million to cut down waiting times and increase the number of people who receive help.
There is always someone who can assist you if you're struggling. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or visit a branch in your area. They offer free, non-judgmental and confidential support to anyone experiencing emotional anxiety. They are available 24 hours a day and can be reached by email, phone or letter.
4. Taking action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's important to act. The proper support can help you to stay healthy and well.
One in four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point in their lives. But, it is important to remember that many mental health issues can be overcome. Most of them are minor, short-term and can be treated with medication by an GP. Certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are a result of difficult life events, such as grieving over a loss or a breakup in an intimate relationship. Stress at work could also be a contributing factor.
We can all take steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing by eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, being active and managing stress. However, everyone's needs are different and sometimes, we require more help. This could be in the form of occupational therapy, speech therapy or medication.
There are a myriad of organizations and support services to help with various issues, including addictions, debts, housing and eating disorders. The government has laid out its goals for the mental health system in the Five Year Forward View, but it's up to us all to ensure that these aspirations are realized.
As the Time for Action Report highlights investing in the mental health of children and adolescents is crucial. CAMHS spending is currently behind spending on adult mental health and funding is an issue of lottery.
Prevention is increasingly at the center of the efforts of social and health care providers to improve the mental well-being 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 sector who have signed up to an agreement to make prevention of mental illness a priority.
The NHS has stated 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 discuss mental health. We must break down the barriers that divide us, and create an environment where mental health is valued just as physical well-being.