Sage Advice About Mental Health UK From A Five-Year-Old
Mental Health in the UK
Since the NHS was first introduced 70 years ago, health care has seen advances in medical technology and treatments, at no cost when in need. But mental health has yet to see the same kind of progress.
People reported feeling good about their own mental health, however many were concerned that others weren't. They also discussed the effects that poor economic conditions have on their own mental wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of others.
1. Need help?
One of the most important steps when you're struggling with mental health issues is to seek out help. It's important to seek help, even if it is difficult. There are many ways to seek help with therapy, such as lifestyle modifications. Each treatment is unique, so you should find 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. It's crucial to act if you notice a change in the way you perceive, thinks or is feeling. Often, this means talking to them and seeking help. Joining a support group can assist you in finding others who understand your needs.
It is also important to talk with your family and your friends about how you're experiencing. They can lend an understanding ear and could even recommend you to a professional. Additionally, discussing your feelings can be a way of stress relief and will help you gain perspective on the events in your life.
People who suffer from mental health issues may experience various symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of mental health issues is different from person to. It can be difficult to determine whether a symptom is a normal reaction to a stressful situation or an indication that there is a serious illness that has been diagnosed.
Mental illness can have a huge 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 happiness and overall wellbeing. They can also have a significant impact on your physical health. For instance, people who have mental health problems are more likely to have undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent times, there has been an evolution in the way we look at mental health. The stigma around mental illness is diminishing, and more people are seeking treatment. Finding help is a step toward a happier, healthier and more productive lifestyle. It is recommended to start by talking to your primary physician. They may recommend a specialist counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up
A plethora of tragic stories in the news, high-profile campaigns and a growing awareness have given mental health problems the importance they merit. We have a long way to go before physical and mental health issues in the UK are treated equally.
In England Mental health services in England are not ring-fenced and are not subject to the same pressures as acute/physical healthcare services when it comes to funding. It has led to anecdotal evidence that the same level disinvestment is taking place, but evidence is hard to come by. The lack of consolidated data on the state of local services as well as the fact that the key performance indicators are the same for the entire system (e.g. a maximum waiting time of 18 weeks for referral from primary care to a specialist) apply to both mental and physical health, but are interpreted differently when it is time to define the budget and monitoring service availability and quality.
To tackle this issue, a new approach to building mental strength is needed. This should be facilitated by local people who are comfortable with their communities, including religious groups and community groups. These groups will require the right training and facilitation, as well as resources and support in order to contribute in creating mental wellness across all age groups.
Doctors should also be provided with the resources they require to offer regular check-ins, which aren't overloaded by the demand. They can then link patients to self-management advice based on evidence and peer support. This will ease the pressure on the NHS in general and increase the capacity in mental health services.
The general public should also be encouraged to play an active role in their own well-being by taking control of their leisure time, adopting healthier lifestyles and seeking help whenever needed. This could be done by volunteering, taking part in community events and fundraising for local mental health charities and by organizing workplace health activities like mindfulness sessions.
3. Take control
The UK is a leading country in the world when it comes to mental healthcare. But there is still much work to be done. There are still many people who suffer from mental health issues but are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma. They typically wait until their symptoms become serious before seeking medical attention. This can result in an extended period of suffering, higher costs, and a greater risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as heart disease or cancer.
The good news is that mental health care has made significant progress 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 remains a major barrier.
The demand for services rises as the number of people suffering from mental health problems increases. The government has committed to investing an extra PS2.3 billion annually to expand and transform services across the nation. This will allow 2 million people to receive help and improve outcomes.
There is also a greater effort being made to address the disparity in funding between mental and physical health, as well as 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.
There are also plans to establish an array of specially-trained mental health ambulances. This will reduce the use of general ambulance calls for those in need, and increase the speed of response and care for those with mental health needs. The government is also expanding its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by another PS7 million to cut down waiting times and increase the number of people receiving help.
There is always someone who can assist you when you are struggling. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit a local branch. They offer free, confidential and non-judgmental assistance to anyone in emotional distress. They are available 24 hours a day and can be reached via telephone, email or letter.
4. Take action
If you're worried about your mental health, it's essential to take action. The right support can keep you in good health and well.
One out of four people in UK will suffer from mental illness at some time in their lives, but it's important to remember that you can recover from the majority of mental health problems. Most of them are minor, short-term and can be treated with medication by a GP. Certain, like anxiety and depression, can be a result of difficult life events, such as bereavement, or a breakup in a relationship, but stress at work can also cause these.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health, including eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and physical activity and learning to manage stress. But every person's needs are unique and at times, we may need more help. This could be through occupational therapy, talking therapies or medication.
There is also a wide array of support and charity services that can help with a variety of issues like addiction, debt, housing and eating disorders. The government has laid out its goals for the mental health services in the Five Year Forward View however it is up to us all to ensure that these aspirations are realized.
Investing in youngsters and young people's mental health, as highlighted by the Time for Action report, is essential. CAMHS spending is currently behind spending on adult mental health and funding is a lottery.
Prevention is now at the heart of the work of social and health care providers to improve the mental health 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 that have signed up to a shared commitment to make preventing mental illness a top priority.
The NHS has stated that it is committed in addressing the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health, and also the gap between mental and physical healthcare. There is still mental assessment to be done. We must alter the way we think and discuss mental health. We must eliminate the barriers that continue to divide us and to build an environment where people value mental wellbeing just as they value physical wellbeing.