This Is The Ugly Truth About Mental Health UK
Mental Health in the UK Since the NHS was first introduced 70 years ago, health care has seen advances in medical technology and treatments that are free at the point of need. Mental health hasn't seen the same improvements. People reported feeling good about their mental health, but many were worried that others weren't. They also discussed the effects that poor economic conditions have on their mental wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. 1. Need help? One of the most important steps to take when you're dealing with mental health issues is to seek out help. It is crucial to seek help even if the situation is difficult. There are a variety of ways to get assistance such as therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Each treatment is unique, so it's important to find the best option for you. The first step in seeking help is recognizing that you or someone you know suffers from an issue with mental health. It's crucial to act if you notice a change in the way someone you know acts, thinks or is feeling. This usually means speaking to the person and asking for their assistance. Joining a support group could help you find others who understand your situation. You should also talk to your family and acquaintances about how you're feeling. They can offer an understanding ear and may be in a position to refer you to a professional. In addition, talking about your feelings can be a form of stress relief and will help you gain perspective on the current situation in your life. People suffering from mental health issues can experience various symptoms, from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of these issues differs from individual to individual making it difficult to know when something is a natural reaction to stress or an indication of an illness that is serious. Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on the daily life. Mental illness can have a significant impact on a person's everyday life, from their work to their relationships, to their wellbeing and happiness. They can also have an enormous impact on your physical health. For example, people with mental health problems are more likely to experience undiagnosed physical symptoms. In recent years there has been a shift in the way we view mental health. Mental illness is becoming less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Self-care is the first step to a happier, healthier life. The best place to begin is to consult an primary health care provider. They can usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist or a professional counselor who specializes in mental health issues. 2. Keep it up! Mental health issues are finally receiving the attention they deserve. A multitude of tragic stories in the news and high-profile campaigns, along with growing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. There is still a long way to go until mental and physical health in the UK are treated equally. In England, mental healthcare services are not ringfenced, and are therefore under the same funding pressures as acute/physical health care services. This has led to anecdotal reports that a similar level of disinvestment is occurring, but concrete evidence of this is difficult to locate. The attempts to determine these trends have been hampered by a lack of data aggregation on the overall condition of local services, and due to the fact that the same system-wide key performance indicators (e.g. the maximum wait 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 is time to define a budget and monitoring service availability and quality. To solve this issue, a fresh method is required to build mental health resilience. this must be led at the local level by those who are familiar with their communities – such as community groups, faith groups, local charities, children's groups and community-based peer support groups. These groups will require the right training and facilitation, along with support and resources to contribute to improving mental health across all age groups. The GPs must also be provided with the resources they need to conduct regular check-ins which aren't overloaded by demand. They can then link people to evidence-based self-management advice and peer assistance. extra resources will reduce the pressure placed on the NHS and allow mental health services to be more efficient. Additionally, the general public should be encouraged to take a more active role in their own health by deciding how they spend their free time, making healthier lifestyle choices, and seeking support when they need it. This could be done by volunteering, participating in community events, or fundraising for local mental health charities, or through attending or organising workplace health events, such as mindfulness sessions. 3. Taking control The UK is a world leader in the world in terms of mental health care. There is a lot of work to be done. Many people who suffer from mental health issues still aren't seeking help because of the stigma attached to them. In reality, they typically wait until their symptoms get severe before seeking medical attention. This could lead to a longer period of suffering, more expensive treatment and a higher risk of developing life-threatening illnesses such as cancer or heart disease. The good news is that mental healthcare has advanced since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Mental illness is now being discussed more openly, and treatment options are now more advanced. There is still a lot to be done, and stigma is a major obstacle. As the number of people suffering from mental health problems continues to increase and the demand on services is growing. The government has committed to invest an additional PS2.3 billion annually to expand and transform mental health services in the country. This will allow 2 million more people who can access help and improve care and outcomes. There is also more being made to address the gap in the funding for physical and mental health, as well 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 made to establish a network that is specialized in mental health ambulances. This will reduce the number of general ambulance calls for people in crisis and improve speed of response and treatment for those who have mental health issues. The government is also expanding its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by another PS7 million to reduce waiting times and increase the number of people receiving assistance. If you are struggling you can always find someone to talk to. You can call the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit a local branch. They provide free, confidential and non-judgemental support for anyone suffering from emotional distress. They are available by email, phone, or letter 24 hours a days. 4. Take action If you're concerned about your mental health, it's essential to act. The proper support can help you improve your health and remain healthy. One of four people will suffer from mental illness in the UK at some point in their life. However, it is important to keep in mind that the majority of mental health issues are solvable. Most mental health issues are not severe and temporary and can be addressed by a doctor using medication. Some conditions, like anxiety and depression can be a result of life-changing circumstances, like grieving over a loss or break-up in the course of a relationship. Stress at work could be a factor. We can all take steps to look after our mental health and well-being by eating healthy, having a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercising, as well as taking control of stress. Each person's needs differ and, at times, we require additional assistance. This could include things like occupational therapy, speech therapy or medications. There's also a broad variety of charities and support services that can help with a range of issues, including housing, debt, addiction and eating disorders. The government has laid out its aspirations for the mental health system in the Five Year Forward View however it is our responsibility to make sure those aspirations are realized. As the Time for Action Report highlights that investing in the mental health of children and young people is essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health expenditure and funding is a lottery. Health and social care professionals are increasing putting prevention at center of their efforts to improve the mental well-being of their communities. This is reflected by the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that brings together more than 140 organizations from the health and social care sectors who have committed to making the prevention of mental illness their primary goal. The NHS has made it clear that it is committed to tackling the stigma and inequalities of mental health, as well as the gap between physical and mental healthcare. However, there is still plenty to be done. We must alter the way that we think and talk about mental health. We must eliminate the barriers that divide us and to create an environment in which people are concerned about mental wellbeing as much as physical health.