Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was first introduced 70 years ago, physical health has seen medical advancements and treatments that are free at the point of need. Mental health has not had the same benefits.
Many reported feeling satisfied with their mental health, but a lot were worried that others weren't. They also discussed the effects of economic hardship on their own and others' mental health.
1. Get help
Seeking help is the first step in taking care of your mental health. This can be a difficult task but it's essential for your wellbeing. There are many ways to seek help, such as treatment, lifestyle changes and medications. Each treatment is different and you must choose the best one for your particular situation.
The first step in getting help is recognizing that you or someone you know has an issue with mental health. If you notice changes in the way that someone you know is feeling, thinks or behaves it's crucial to take action. This often means talking to the person and asking for their assistance. You may also want to consider joining a support group, which can help you find people who understand what you're going through.
mental health assessment test should also talk to your family and your friends about how you're feeling. They could be an ear to listen and even refer you to professionals. Talking about your emotions is a great way to reduce anxiety and gain a new perspective on your life.
People suffering from mental health issues can experience 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 sign is an ordinary reaction to a stressful situation or the sign that there is a serious illness that has been diagnosed.
Mental illnesses can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. Mental illnesses can have a significant impact on a person's everyday life, from their work to their relationships to their wellbeing and happiness. Additionally, they could influence their physical health. For instance, people who have mental health problems are more likely to suffer from undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent years, there is a shift in the way we view mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness is decreasing and more people are seeking treatment. Finding assistance is a great step toward a happier, healthier and more productive lifestyle. It is recommended to start by consulting your primary care doctor. They can recommend a professional psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist who is specialized in mental issues.
2. Keep it up!
A myriad of tragic news stories, high profile campaigns and growing awareness have given mental health problems the importance they merit. We have a long way to go before 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 a few instances of evidence that the same level of disinvestment is taking place, but evidence is hard to come by. Attempts to identify such trends have been hampered by the lack of data aggregation regarding the overall state of local services and due to the fact that the same systemwide key performance indicators (e.g. the maximum wait time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) are applicable to both physical and mental health, yet are treated differently when it comes to defining the budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To tackle this issue, an innovative method of building mental resilience is needed. This must be led by local people who are familiar with their communities, such as community groups and faith groups. These groups will require the right training and facilitation, along with resources and support to play their part in creating mental wellness across all age groups.
The GPs must also be given the resources they need to provide regular check-ins that aren't burdened by demand. They can then link patients to self-management advice based on evidence and peer assistance. This will ease the pressure put on the NHS and enable mental health services to be more efficient.
The general public must be encouraged to take more actively in their own health by taking charge of their leisure time, adopting healthier lifestyles and seeking help when they need it. This could include volunteering, attending community events, or fundraising for local mental health charities and by organizing workplace health events such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Taking control
The UK is a leading country in the world when it comes to mental health care. However, there is a lot of work to be accomplished. There are still many people who have mental health issues but are hesitant to seek help due to the stigma attached. In reality, they usually wait until their symptoms become more severe before seeking medical treatment. This can result in prolonged suffering, higher costs and increased risk of life-threatening conditions such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is mental healthcare has improved since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now discussed more openly and the treatment options are more sophisticated. There is much to be done, and stigma remains a major barrier.
As the number of people with mental health problems continues to increase and the demand on services is increasing. The government is committing to investing an additional PS2.3 billion a year to improve and expand services across the country. This will enable 2 million more people to access help and improve care and outcomes.
There is also a greater effort being made to address the disparity in funding between mental and physical health, and also remove the barriers that block 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.
Plans are also being made to introduce a network specialised in mental health ambulances. This will cut down on the number of general ambulance calls for those in crisis and increase the response time and care for those suffering from mental health needs. The government is also expanding its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by an additional PS7 million to decrease waiting times and increase the number of people receiving assistance.
If you are struggling you can always find someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123, or visit one of their local branches. They provide free, non-judgmental and confidential support to anyone who is suffering from emotional stress. They are available by phone, email or by letter all hours of the day.
4. Taking action
If you're concerned about your mental health, it's important to act. The right support can keep you healthy and happy.
One out of four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point during their life. However, it's important to keep in mind that the majority of mental health problems can be overcome. Most are mild, short-term and can be treated with medication administered by an GP. Certain, like anxiety and depression, can be a result of difficult life events like bereavement or a break-up in a relationship, but stress at work can contribute to these.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health, including eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly and learning how to manage stress. But every person's needs are unique and at times, we may need more help. This can include occupational therapists, speech therapy or medication.
There's also a broad variety of charities and support services that can assist with a myriad of issues, including housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward perspective outlines the goals of the government's mental health services. It is our responsibility to make those aspirations become a reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights, investing in the mental health of children and young adults is crucial. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health expenditure and funding is a lottery.
Prevention is now at the heart of the work of health and social care providers to improve the mental health of their communities. This is evident in the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health, which brings more than 140 organizations from the health and social care sector who have signed up to a shared commitment to make preventing mental illness a priority.
The NHS has stated that it is committed in addressing 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 mental health and the way we talk about it. We need to break down the barriers that continue to divide us and create a society where mental wellbeing is valued just as physical wellbeing.