Mental Health in the UK
The results showed that mental health issues are seen as 'afflictions that affect the mind and brain'. They were thought to be distinct from other diseases, such as cancer.
However, Britain's'stiff upper lip culture means that a lot of people still are reluctant to seek treatment for their illnesses. Certain people who suffer from extreme mental distress might be sent to inpatient care outside their locality.
Treatment
In the UK the UK, mental health services are part of the country's much-loved National Health Service (NHS) which provides high-quality health care for all, regardless of income. This includes access to GPs, surgeries and hospital stays. The NHS has existed since 1948, and its goal is to provide quality medical treatment to the people of Britain.
The NHS is not without its challenges, however. Many patients with mental health issues report long waits to consult an expert. The NHS needs to take action to address this issue and ensure that patients are seen in a timely manner. The NHS should also focus more on prevention and early interventions that can help those who suffer from mental health issues avoid more serious issues.
Mental health issues can be experienced by anyone at any time. However certain groups are more vulnerable to be affected than others. These include women, young people, and those who are LGBTQIA+. Those with low household incomes are also more likely to have mental illness.
A variety of treatment options are available to those with mental health issues like depression. The NHS recommends self-help, talking therapy and medication. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the kind of depression the patient is suffering from. For example the NHS might prescribe antidepressants for mild to moderate depression, and anti-anxiety medications for those suffering from severe anxiety disorders.
Despite increasing awareness of mental health problems in the UK stigma is still an issue. People are hesitant to seek treatment, and a lot do not receive the support they require. The NHS has been working to reduce the stigma, but more needs to be done. The stigma is particularly damaging to young people.
Mental health services must be properly resourced, as the current levels of investment are not enough to meet the demand. The BMA calls on the government to boost funding for mental health services and to set ambitious and quantifiable goals to increase the number of employees. This should include a robust and frequent workforce data collection by NHS Digital, an action plan to recruit more clinicians to mental health, as well as meaningful measures to keep existing staff.
Prevention
Patients with mental health issues can avail a variety of prevention options. These include talking therapies (also known as cognitive behaviour therapy) and psychiatric medication. These services are offered by the NHS and certain local authorities in England. Many people who utilize these services find them helpful and they are usually free.
It is important to remember that the majority of mental health issues are treatable and individuals are able to recover. Due to funding cuts the NHS and many other organisations are unable to offer these services in response to a rising demand. This has resulted in long waiting lists and sometimes delays in getting the right help and treatment.
One of the most important aspects for prevention is to stop a mental illness from forming in the first place. This is especially important in young people, where there is a peak rate of mental health problems and where there is an increased risk of suffering severe symptoms than in older age groups. The GP is the key to finding and providing preventive treatment.
In the UK, the National Health Service places a high priority on the prevention of mental health problems. This is a system that was formed in 1948 to bring quality, free healthcare to all. It provides mental health care as well as access to a doctor and other medical treatments.
The system is under strain because of budget cuts but it's a good system overall. It offers people a regular check-in to discuss their mental health. This is extremely beneficial for those who have concerns or who are at higher risk of a mental health issue. It also offers information and links to peer support services and self-management tips.
Additionally, preventing understanding is a top priority. It is a major issue that affects everyone of all ages. However it is most prevalent among young people and is one of UK's leading causes of premature deaths. To reduce the number of suicides, there is a lot of work to be completed. This includes training mental health workers as well as improving the quality of community-based support and ensuring people can receive the help they require close to home.
Support
Anyone with a problem of mental health can get support and help. You can contact the NHS helpline if struggling or worried about someone you know. You can find information on how to access NHS services on the NHS website. If you need help, dial 999 if someone is in immediate danger. This will connect them with ambulance and police. If they are in danger they can visit the A&E department at their local hospital where they will be viewed by medical professionals. They will treat any physical symptoms and alert their local mental health team.
Community mental health teams are for people who require more specific special care. They can comprise a mental health nurse, an occupational therapist, and a psychologist. If someone requires food, housing or financial assistance they may refer them to the local authority's social services. There are usually long waiting lists for appointments with consultants. This is an area where the government is seeking to improve.
The Mental Health Act allows for the hospitalization of a person in the event of a risk of harming them or others. This option is only available to those considered to be at risk of immediate harm, and who have undergone an evaluation for psychiatric disorders. The government is aiming to increase the quality and accessibility of this service.
Many people with mental health issues find that alternative and complementary treatments can be beneficial. There are a myriad of charities that offer these types of treatments. You can visit Hub of Hope to search for help in your local area.
The long-term strategy of the government aims to provide a broad range of mental health services in England which includes emergency and crisis care. This includes adult crisis and home treatment teams, ensuring that every region has a 24 hour service by 2021. A new universal three-digit 111 number that makes it easier to access urgent mental health support. Safe havens, crisis cafes and other crisis alternatives to A&E and inpatient psychiatric treatment are readily available. Specialized liaison mental teams within A&E departments or general hospital wards to make sure that patients get the right treatment both for their mental and physical health.
The following resources are available to you:
For those suffering from mental health issues There are a variety of paid and free NHS services accessible to them. This includes psychiatrists who provide evidence-based treatment as psychologists, as well as social workers. Psychiatrists are medically trained and can prescribe medication, while psychologists use talking therapy to assist patients manage their conditions.
Many people suffering from mental health problems are unable to get the assistance they require, and may not know where to go. In addition to the specialist support, there are a number of charities that provide advice and help. These include the Samaritans, Mind and Place2Be. People who suffer from anxiety or depression are advised to talk to with a psychotherapist. Suicidal individuals should call a suicide hotline, or visit a crisis center.
While there have been improvements in NHS mental health services since the COVID-19 pandemic, overall demand continues to outpace the supply. This is exacerbated by budget cuts, which have reduced overall funding. The NHS Long Term Plan contains plans to create a local fund that is ringfenced at at least PS2.3bn annually by 2023/24. However, this is still only a small portion of total NHS expenditure.
Despite these challenges, there is much that can be done to improve mental health services. JSNAs are an excellent way to determine the mental health needs in the community and help guide decisions on funding services, delivery and provision. NHS England has developed a toolkit that can help mental health commissioners to develop local JSNAs. NHS Digital also has an annual database of mental health services including referrals, ward stays, and other activity.
In the wake of the pandemic caused by the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of people referred to be assessed and treated. This has put stress on NHS mental health services, and a deficiency of capacity in several areas results in patients being sent far from home for their care. This is also affecting older individuals and children as well as those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Public Health England has been keeping track of the mental health of the entire population throughout the pandemic using a range of close-to-real-time surveys. It has also found that self-reported mental health has increased in comparison to pre-pandemic levels.