Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, health care has seen improvements in medical science and treatments, at no cost when in need. Mental health hasn't seen the same improvements.
Many reported feeling satisfied with their own mental health, but a lot were worried that others weren't. They also discussed the impact of economic downturns on their own and other' mental health.
1. Get assistance
Finding help is the first step to taking care of your mental health. It's important to seek help regardless of whether it's difficult. There are several ways to seek help such as therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Each treatment is unique, so you should find the best one for your situation.
Recognizing that you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness is the first step to seeking help. It's important to act if you notice a change in the way you perceive, thinks or is feeling. Often, this means talking to them and asking for help. Joining a support group can help you find others who understand your situation.
It is also essential to speak with your family and friends about how you feel. They can lend a sympathetic ear and may even refer you to a professional. Talking about your emotions is a great way to relieve anxiety and gain a new perspective on your life.
People with mental health issues can suffer from a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of these issues differs from individual to individual and it can be difficult to determine if something is a natural reaction to stress or an indication of a serious illness.
Mental illnesses can have a huge impact on a person's daily life. They can affect everything from relationships and work to their overall health and happiness. They can also have a significant impact on your physical health. People who have mental health issues are more likely to suffer from physical symptoms that aren't medically explained.
In recent times, there has been an alteration in the way we view mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness is diminishing, and more people are seeking treatment. Helping yourself is the first step to a happier, healthier life. private mental health assessment ireland is recommended to start by consulting your primary care physician. They may recommend a specialist counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in mental health issues.
2. Keeping it up
A multitude of tragic news stories, high profile campaigns and increasing awareness have given mental health issues the importance they merit. We have a long way to go before mental and physical health in the UK are treated equally.
In England Mental health services in England are not ring-fenced and so are subject to the same pressures as acute/physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. This has led to some reports that a similar level of disinvestment is occurring, but concrete evidence on this is difficult to locate. The attempts to determine these trends are slowed by a lack of consolidated data regarding the overall state of local services, as well as due to the fact that the same system wide key performance indicators (e.g. The maximum amount of time to refer patients 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 distinct.
To address this issue, an innovative approach to building mental resilience is needed. This should be led by local people who are familiar with their communities, such as community groups and faith groups. These groups must be supported and facilitated with the appropriate training, resources and support to develop their role in creating mental health for all age groups.
The GPs must also be provided with the resources they need to provide regular check-ins that aren't burdened by the demand. They could then connect patients to self-management advice based on evidence and peer support. This will reduce the pressure put on the NHS and will allow mental health services to be more effective.
Additionally, the general public must be encouraged to take on a more active part in their own wellbeing by deciding the way they spend their time and implementing healthier lifestyle choices, and seeking support when they require it. This can be accomplished by volunteering, attending local events and raising funds for mental health charities as well as attending or organizing workplace health events like mindfulness classes.
3. Take control
The UK is a leader in the world in terms of mental health. But there is much work to be completed. Many people who suffer from mental health issues still don't seek assistance due to the stigma associated with them. In fact, they often wait until their symptoms get severe before seeking medical treatment. This can lead to prolonged suffering, greater costs, and a higher risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease or cancer.
The positive side is that mental healthcare has come a long way since the NHS was created 70 years ago. Mental illnesses are now being discussed more openly, and treatment options are more advanced. There is much to be done and stigma remains a major obstacle.
The pressure on services grows as the number of people suffering from mental health issues increases. The government has promised to invest PS2.3 billion per year to expand and transform mental health services in the country. This will allow 2 million people to receive help and improve outcomes.
There is also a lot being done to address the disparity in the funding for physical and mental health, and the obstacles that hinder people from accessing help. 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 developed to introduce a network specialised in mental health ambulances. This will cut down on the number of general ambulance calls for people in crisis and improve speed of response and treatment for those who have mental health needs. 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 who receive help.
There is always someone to assist you if you're struggling. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit a local branch. They provide free, confidential and non-judgmental help to anyone suffering from emotional distress. They are accessible via phone, email or mail all hours of the day.
4. Taking action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's important to act. The right support can help you to stay healthy and well.
One out of four people in UK will experience mental illness at some moment in their lives but it's important to remember that you can recover from most mental health issues. Most are mild, short-term and can be treated with medication administered by an GP. Certain conditions, such as anxiety and depression are a result of difficult life circumstances, like a bereavement or break-up in the course of a relationship. Stress at work may be a to the cause.
We can all do things to improve our mental health. This includes eating a healthy diet, taking enough rest and exercising regularly and learning to manage stress. But every person's needs are unique and sometimes, we require more assistance. This could be through occupational therapists, speech therapy or medications.
There are numerous charities and support services available to help with various issues, including housing, debts, addictions and eating disorders. The government has laid out its goals for the mental health service in the Five Year Forward View however it is up to us all 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 essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health spending and funding is a lottery.
Prevention is increasingly at the core of the work of health and social care providers to improve the mental health of their communities. This is reflected by the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organizations in the social and health care sectors that have pledged to making prevention of mental illness their top priority.
The NHS has declared that it is firmly dedicated to addressing stigma and inequalities in mental health, and also the gap between physical and mental health care. There is still much to be done. We need to change the mental health and the way we discuss it. We must remove the barriers that continue to divide us, and build a society where mental wellbeing is valued just as physical health.