read this in the UK
Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, physical health has seen medical advancements and treatments that are free of charge at times of need. But mental health has not yet seen the same advancements.
The majority of respondents reported feeling positive about their own mental health, but many were worried that others weren't. People also discussed the impact that economic challenges have on their mental health and that of others.
1. Get help
Seeking help is the first step in taking care of your mental health. It is crucial to seek help, even if it is difficult. There are a variety of ways to get assistance, including therapy and lifestyle modifications. Each treatment is unique so it's crucial to find what works best for you.
Recognizing that you or someone you know suffers from mental illness is the first step towards getting help. If you notice an alteration in the way that someone you know is feeling, thinks or behaves, it's important to take action. Often, this means talking to them and seeking help. You may also want to consider joining a support group, which can help you find others who understand what you're going through.
It is also advisable to talk to your family and friends about how you are feeling. They can offer an understanding ear, and they may be able to refer you to a professional. Talking about your feelings is a great way to reduce anxiety and gain a fresh perspective on your life.
People who suffer from mental health issues may experience a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from depression to anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of mental health problems is different from person to. It is difficult to determine if a sign is an normal reaction to a stressful situation or the sign that a serious illness is developing.
Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on a person's everyday life. Mental illness can have a huge impact on the daily life, from their job to their relationships to their wellbeing and happiness. They can also have a major impact on your physical health. For example, people with mental health problems are more likely to suffer from undiagnosed physical symptoms.
In recent times there has been a shift in the way we view mental health. Mental illness is less stigmatized and more people seek treatment. Helping yourself is the first step towards living a more positive, healthier lifestyle. The best place to begin is to talk to your primary medical professional. They are usually able to recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist or a professional counselors who specialize in mental health issues.
2. Keep it up!
A myriad of tragic news stories, high profile campaigns and a growing awareness have given mental health issues the importance they merit. We have a long to go before mental and physical health in the UK are treated equally.
In England the UK, mental health services are not ring-fenced, and therefore are not subject to the same pressures as acute or physical healthcare services in terms of funding. This has led to some reports that a similar disinvestment levels are taking place, but hard evidence on this is hard to locate. The lack of consolidated data about the state of local services as well as the fact that the 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 applies to both physical and psychological health. However, the budget and monitoring of availability of services and quality are different.
To address this, a new method of building mental health resilience, and this should be facilitated at the local level by those who are the best in their communities like community groups, faith groups, local charities, children's organisations and community-based peer support groups. These groups will require the appropriate training and facilitation, along with resources and support to contribute in improving mental health across all age groups.
GPs must also be provided the resources to offer regular check-ins, which are not overloaded by demand and can connect patients to self-management guidance or peer support. This will help reduce the strain on the NHS in general and increase the capacity in mental health services.
The general public must be encouraged to take a more active part in their own wellbeing by taking charge of their leisure time, choosing healthier choices and seeking help whenever needed. This could be through volunteering, taking part in community events and fundraising for local mental health charities as well as through attending or organising workplace health events, such as mindfulness sessions.
3. Taking control
When it comes to mental health In terms of mental health, the UK is the world's leader. But there is still much work to be completed. Many people who suffer from mental health issues don't seek help because of the stigma that surrounds them. In reality, they typically wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical attention. This can result in a longer period of suffering, greater costs and increased risk of life-threatening illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
The good news is that mental health has gotten better since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are more advanced, and mental illnesses are being talked about more often than ever before. But there is still more to be done, and the stigma of mental illness remains a significant obstacle.
As the number of people suffering from mental health issues continues to rise the demand for services is increasing. The government is committed to investing an extra PS2.3 billion per year to expand and transform services across the country. 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 the funding of mental and physical health, and also tackle the barriers 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 create a special network in mental health ambulances. This will cut down on the number of general ambulance calls for people in crisis, and will improve response time and care for those suffering from mental health needs. The government will also increase its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by another PS7 million to cut down on waiting time and increase the number of people who receive help.
If you are struggling you can always find someone to talk to. You can call the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit a branch in your area. They provide confidential, free and non-judgmental assistance to anyone suffering from emotional suffering. They are available via phone, email or mail anytime of the day.
4. Take action
It's essential to take action when you're concerned about your mental well-being. The right support can keep you healthy and well.
One out of four people will experience mental illness in the UK at some point during their lives. But, it is important to remember that many mental health issues can be resolved. Most mental health problems are not severe and temporary and can be addressed by a doctor using medication. Certain conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can be a reaction to difficult life events like bereavement or a breakup in a relationship, however stress at work can contribute to these.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health and well-being by eating an appropriate diet, sleeping enough, being active and managing stress. But everyone's needs are different and sometimes, we require more help. This could include things like occupational therapy, speech therapy or medications.
There are numerous organizations and support services to assist with a variety of problems, including addictions, debts, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward overview of the goals of the government's mental health services. It is up to us to help make those goals a reality.
As the Time for Action Report highlights, investing in the mental health of children and adolescents is vital. However, public spending on CAMHS is currently falling behind spending on adult mental health services and funding is a lottery for postcodes.
Health and social care professionals are increasingly putting prevention at the heart of their work 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 in the health and social care sectors that have committed to making prevention of mental illness their priority.
The NHS has stated that it is committed to addressing the stigma and inequalities in mental health, as well as the gap between mental and physical health care. There is still much to be done. We must change the way we think and speak about mental health. We must break down the barriers that continue to divide us and to build an environment in which people value mental health just as they value physical wellbeing.