This Week's Best Stories About Mental Health UK
Mental Health in the UK Since the NHS was established 70 years ago, health care has seen medical advancements and treatments that are free of charge at times of need. Mental health hasn't had the same benefits. Many reported feeling positive about their mental health, but worried that others might not be as well. People also discussed the effect that poor economic conditions have on their mental health as well as the wellbeing of others. 1. Get help Finding help is the first step to taking care of your mental health. This can be difficult, but it's vital for your well-being. There are a variety of ways to seek help, including therapy and lifestyle changes. Each treatment is unique, so you should find the one that works best for your particular situation. The first step to seek help is to recognize 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 you perceive, thinks or feels. In most cases, this means speaking to them and asking for assistance. You may also join a support group, which could be helpful in finding others who know what you're going through. You should also talk to your family and friends about how you are experiencing. They may be able to lend an ear to listen and could be capable of referring you to an expert. In addition, talking about your feelings can be a way of stress relief, and it can give you perspective on what's happening in your life. People who suffer from mental health issues can experience many different symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of mental health issues is different from person to. It is difficult to determine whether a symptom is an normal response to a stressful event or an indication that an illness of serious severity has been diagnosed. Mental illness can have a huge impact on a person's everyday life. They can impact everything from relationships and work to their overall wellbeing and happiness. In addition, they can affect their physical health. For instance, people who have mental health problems are more likely to have undiagnosed physical symptoms. In recent years there has been an alteration in how we think about mental health. Mental illness is becoming less stigmatized, and more people seek treatment. Receiving help is a step toward a happier, healthier, more productive life. The best way to begin is to talk to an primary medical professional. They will usually suggest a psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist counselors who specialize in mental health issues. 2. Keep it up! Mental health issues are finally receiving the attention they merit. Numerous tragic stories in the news and high-profile campaigns, as well as increasing awareness, have brought them to the forefront. We have 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 subject to the same funding pressures as acute/physical health care services. This has led to reports that a similar level of disinvestment is happening, but evidence on this is hard to locate. The lack of consolidated data regarding the condition of local services as well as the fact that key performance indicators are the same across the entire system (e.g. The maximum referral time from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This is applicable to both mental and physical health. However the budget and monitoring of the availability of services and quality are different. To address this issue, a new method of building mental resilience is needed. This must be led by local people who are familiar with their communities, for instance faith-based groups and community groups. These groups will require the appropriate training and facilitation, as well as resources and support to play their part in improving mental health across all age groups. GPs should also be given the resources they need to offer regular check-ins, that aren't burdened by the demands. They can then link patients to self-management advice based on evidence and peer support. This will reduce the pressure placed on the NHS and will allow mental health services to be more efficient. Additionally, the general public should be encouraged to play a more active part in their own wellbeing by taking control of how they spend their leisure time and making healthier lifestyle choices and seeking support when they need it. This can be accomplished by volunteering, participating in local events and raising funds for mental health charities as in addition to attending or coordinating workplace health and wellness events such as mindfulness classes. 3. Take control The UK is a leader in the world when it comes to mental health. But there is much work to be accomplished. There are many who suffer from mental health issues but are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma. In fact, they often wait until their symptoms become more severe before seeking medical assistance. This can result in prolonged suffering, more expensive treatment and increased risk of life-threatening conditions like heart disease or cancer. The good news is that mental healthcare has improved since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are more advanced, and mental illnesses are being discussed more often than ever before. There is still much to be done and stigma remains a major barrier. As the number of people suffering from mental health problems continues to increase, pressure on services is growing. The government has committed to investing an additional PS2.3 billion per year to improve and expand services across the country. assessment mental health will enable 2 million people to get assistance and improve outcomes. There is also a lot being taken to address the gap in the funding for physical and mental health, as well the barriers that prevent people 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. There are plans to introduce an array of specially-trained mental health ambulances. This will reduce the need of general ambulance calls-outs for people in crisis and will improve response times and treatment for those suffering from mental health problems. The government is also increasing its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by another PS7 million to decrease waiting times and increase the number of people receiving help. If you are having a hard time, there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit a branch in your area. They offer free, confidential and non-judgemental support for anyone in emotional distress. They are available 24/7 and can be reached via email, phone or letter. 4. Take action If you're concerned about your mental health, it's important to take action. The right support can keep you healthy and well. One in four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point during their lives. However, it is important to keep in mind that the majority of mental health issues can be resolved. The majority of mental health issues are short-term and mild, and can be treated by a doctor using medication. Certain conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can be a result of difficult life events such as bereavement or a breakdown in a relationship. However, stress at work can cause them. We can all take steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing by eating healthy, having a balanced diet, getting enough rest, being active and learning how to manage stress. Every person's needs are different, and sometimes we need additional help. This can include things like occupational therapy, speech therapy or medications. There are numerous organizations and support services to assist with a variety of problems, including housing, debts, addictions and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward overview of the goals of the government's mental health services. It is our responsibility to make those aspirations a reality. Investing in the mental health of children and young people's health, as stated in the Time for Action report, is vital. However, the public's spending on CAMHS is currently falling behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a postcode lottery. Prevention is increasingly at the center of the efforts 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 together more than 140 organizations in the health and social care sectors that have committed to making the prevention of mental illness their top priority. The NHS has declared that it is firmly committed to tackling stigma and inequalities within mental health and the gap between physical and mental healthcare. There is much to be done. We must 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 build an environment where people value mental wellbeing as much as physical health.