The 10 Scariest Things About Mental Health
Mental Health in the UK
The responses showed that people perceive mental health problems to be "mind-related illnesses" or 'problems with the brain and mind'. They were seen as distinct from other diseases like cancer.
However, the'stiff upper lip culture means that a large number of people are still hesitant to seek treatment for their ailments. People who are in severe mental distress may be sent to inpatient care outside their community.
Treatment
Mental health treatment in the UK is part of the National Health Service, which offers free health care to all regardless of income. This includes access to the GP, surgeries and hospitalization. The NHS has been around since 1948, and its mission is to provide high-quality medical care to the population of Britain.
However it is true that the NHS is not without challenges. Many patients suffering from mental illness complain of long wait for appointments with an expert. The NHS must tackle this issue and ensure that patients get seen in a timely manner. The NHS should also be focusing more on early intervention and prevention that can help those who suffer from mental health issues avoid more serious issues.
Mental health issues can be a problem for anyone at any time. However, certain groups are more vulnerable to mental health issues than others. These include young people, women, and those who are LGBTQIA+. Those with low household incomes are also more likely to have mental illness.
People suffering from mental health issues like depression have a choice of treatment options. The NHS recommends a combination of self-help, talking therapies and medications. The type of depression the patient is suffering from will determine the kind of medication prescribed. For example the NHS may prescribe antidepressants for mild to moderate depression, and anti-anxiety medicines for severe anxiety disorders.
The stigma persists in the UK despite the growing awareness of mental health issues. People are hesitant to seek treatment, and a lot do not receive the support they require. The NHS has been working to reduce stigma however there is more to be done. Stigma is especially damaging to children and young people.
Mental health services must be adequately funded as current levels of investment aren't sufficient to meet the needs. The BMA insists on the government to increase funding for mental health services and to set ambitious and measurable goals for a larger workforce. These should include robust and frequent workforce data collection by NHS Digital, an action plan to recruit more clinicians to mental health, and effective measures to keep existing staff.
The following is a list with preventions.
People suffering from mental health issues can avail a variety of prevention options. Talking therapies (also called cognitive behavioral therapy) and psychiatric medicines are available. These services are provided in England by the NHS and a few local authorities. These services are often provided for free and very helpful to many people.
It is important to remember that the majority of mental health issues are treatable and people are able to recover. Due to funding cuts the NHS and many other organisations are unable to offer these services to a growing demand. This has resulted in lengthy waiting lists, and sometimes delays in receiving the right help and treatment.
Preventing mental illness is a key aspect of preventing it. This is particularly important for young people, who have is a higher incidence of mental health conditions and more risk of developing severe symptoms than in older age groups. The GP is the key to diagnosing and providing preventive care.
In the UK, there is a major emphasis on providing preventive care for mental health issues as part of the National Health Service. This is a system that was created in 1948 to provide quality free healthcare to everyone. It covers mental health care as well as access to surgeons, doctors and other medical treatments.
The system is under strain because of budget cuts however, it is a good system overall. It allows people to keep track of their health and talk about their mental health. This can be very beneficial for those who have concerns or who are at a higher risk of developing a mental illness. It also provides them with information and links to self-management guidance and peer support services.
Also, suicide prevention is a major concern. This is a very serious problem that affects all age groups, but it is especially prevalent among young people and is one of the main causes of death due to premature age in the UK. There is a lot to be done to decrease the number of suicides and this includes training mental health workers and enhancing the accessibility of community-based support and ensuring that individuals can receive the assistance they require near to home.
Support
Anyone with mental health issues can get help and support. You can call the NHS helpline if you're experiencing difficulties or are worried about someone else. iampsychiatry.uk can find out more information about how to access NHS services on the NHS website. If someone is in immediate danger, you can dial 999. This will connect them with ambulance and police services. They can also visit the local hospital's A&E department, where they'll receive medical attention by healthcare professionals. They will treat any physical symptoms and alert the local mental health team.
Community mental health teams are for those who require more in-depth and specialized treatment. These teams could include psychiatric nursing, an occupational therapist, and a psychologist. If a person requires food, housing, or money assistance they may refer them to the local authority's social services. There are often long waiting lists for appointments with consultants. The government is trying to improve this situation.
If an individual is at risk of harming themselves or others they could be placed in a hospital pursuant to the Mental Health Act. This is only possible if the person is considered to be in immediate danger of harm and a psychiatric evaluation is done. The government aims to increase the accessibility and quality of this service.
Many people with mental problems find that alternative and complementary therapies are helpful. These types of therapies are offered by a number of charities. You can visit Hub of Hope to search for help in your area.
The long-term plan of the government is to provide a wide range of mental health services in England including acute and crisis care. This includes adult crisis teams as well home treatment teams. In 2021, every area will have a 24/7 service. A new universal 111 number will help people access urgent mental health care. Crisis solutions like safe shelters and crisis cafes which offer a different option to A&E or inpatient admission to a psychiatric hospital. Specialized liaison mental teams in A&E departments or general hospital wards, to ensure that patients receive the appropriate treatment for their physical and mental health.
Resources
People with mental health issues can avail a variety of NHS services, both free and paid. They include psychiatrists who employ evidence-based treatment, as well as psychologists and social workers. Psychiatrists are medically trained and can prescribe medication as well as psychologists employ talking therapy to assist patients manage their condition.
Many people suffering from mental health issues are unable to get the help they need, and may not know where to turn. In addition to specialist assistance there are a variety of charities that provide assistance and guidance. They include the Samaritans Mind and Place2Be. People who struggle with depression or anxiety should try to contact an psychotherapist. Suicidal individuals should call the suicide hotline or visit a crisis center.
Despite some improvements in the mental health services provided by the NHS following the COVID-19 Pandemic demand continues to outpace supply. This is further exacerbated by budget cuts, which have cut funding overall. The NHS Long Term Plan includes plans to create a new local investment fund ring-fenced at minimum PS2.3 billion per year by 2023/24. However, this is only a small portion of total NHS expenditure.
Despite these challenges there is much that can be done to improve the quality of services for mental health. JSNAs are a great way to identify the mental health needs of the community and help guide decisions on funding services, delivery and delivery. NHS England has developed a toolkit to help mental health commissioners to develop local JSNAs. NHS Digital also has a monthly dataset of mental health services, including referrals, ward stays, and other activity.
The pandemic has caused an increase in number people referred for treatment and assessment. The epidemic has placed more pressure on NHS mental health services. In certain areas, there is a shortage of capacity, and patients are sent far from their homes to receive care. This is also affecting older people as well as children, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Public Health England has monitored the mental health of the general population throughout this epidemic using different surveys that are conducted in real-time. They report that self-reported levels have increased in comparison to prior to the pandemic.