Mental Health in the UK

Since the NHS was launched 70 years ago, health care has seen advances in medical technology and treatments that are free at the point of need. However, mental health has yet to see the same progress.

Many reported feeling satisfied with their own mental health, however many were worried about the health of others. They also discussed the effects that economic challenges have on their own mental wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of others.

1. Get help

One of the most crucial steps when you're experiencing mental health issues is seeking assistance. It can be a challenge however it's essential to your health. There are many options to get help, including treatment, lifestyle changes and medications. Each treatment is unique, so it's important to find what works best for you.

Recognizing that you or someone else you know is suffering from a mental illness is the first step to getting assistance. If mental health assessment report notice a change in the way that someone you know is feeling, thinks or behaves it's crucial to act. This usually means speaking to the person and asking for their assistance. Joining a support network can help you find others who can relate to your situation.

It is also essential to speak with family and friends about how you feel. They could be an ear to listen and even refer you to an expert. In addition, talking about your emotions can be a method of stress relief, and it can give you perspective on the events in your life.

Mental health issues can lead to various symptoms. They range from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The severity of mental health issues is different from person to. It isn't easy to determine if a sign is a normal reaction to a stressful event or an indication that a serious illness has developed.

Mental illness can have a huge impact on the daily life. They can impact everything from their work and relationships 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 experience physical symptoms that are medically unrelated.

In recent years, there has been an evolution in the way we view mental health. The stigma around mental illness is diminishing, and more people are seeking treatment. Making yourself more comfortable is the first step to living a more positive, healthier lifestyle. It is recommended to start by talking to your primary care physician. They can recommend a professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in mental health issues.

2. Keeping it up

Mental health issues are now receiving the attention they deserve. Numerous tragic news stories and well-known campaigns, as well as increasing awareness have brought them to light. We still have a to go before mental and physical health issues in the UK are treated equally.

In England, mental healthcare services aren't ringfenced and are therefore subject to the same funding pressures as acute/physical health services. This has led to anecdotal reports that the same level of disinvestment is occurring, but concrete evidence on this is difficult to come by. The attempts to determine these trends have been hindered by the absence of comprehensive data on the overall condition of local services and by the fact that the same system wide key performance indicators (e.g. The maximum referral time from primary care to specialists is 18 weeks. This is applicable to both physical and psychological health. However, the budget and monitoring of the availability of services and quality are different.

To address this, a new method of building mental health resilience. this must be led at the local level by people who are the best in their communities like religious groups, community groups, local charities, children's groups and community-based peer support groups. These groups require the proper training and facilitation, along with support and resources to play their part in creating mental wellness across all age groups.

GPs must also be provided the resources to offer regular check-ins that aren't overloaded by demand and can connect patients to self-management guidance or peer support. This will ease the strain on the NHS in general and will allow for greater capacity in mental health services.

The general public must also be encouraged to play more actively in their own wellbeing by taking charge of their leisure time, pursuing healthier lifestyles and seeking assistance when needed. This could be done by volunteering, participating in local events and raising funds for mental health charities as well as attending or organizing workplace health activities like mindfulness classes.

3. Controlling

When it comes to mental health In terms of mental health, the UK is a world leader. There is still plenty of work to do. There are many who suffer from mental health issues but don't seek help due to the stigma attached. They usually wait until their symptoms become severe before seeking medical help. This can result in an extended period of suffering, higher costs, and a greater chance of developing life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease or cancer.

The good news is mental healthcare has improved since the NHS was established 70 years ago. Treatment options and treatments are now more advanced, and mental illness are being talked about more often than ever before. However, there's still a lot to be done, and stigma remains a significant barrier.

The pressure on services increases as the number of patients suffering from mental health problems increases. The government has pledged to invest PS2.3 billion per year to expand and transform mental health services across the country. This will enable 2 million people to get help and improve outcomes.

There is also more being made to address the gap in the amount of money allocated to physical and mental health, and the barriers that prevent people accessing 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 plans to establish a network of specialised mental health ambulances. This will reduce the number of general ambulance calls for patients in crisis and improve service and response times for those who have mental health needs. The government is also increasing its investment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) by an additional PS7 million to decrease waiting times and increase the number of people who receive support.


If you're struggling you can always find someone to talk to. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or visit a branch in your area. They offer free, non-judgmental and confidential support to those who is suffering from emotional distress. They are available 24 hours a day and can be reached via email, phone or letter.

4. Take action

It's important to act when you're concerned about your mental well-being. The right support can help you improve your health and remain healthy.

One of four people will suffer from mental illness in the UK at some point in their lifetime. However, it's important to keep in mind that the majority of mental health issues can be resolved. Most mental health issues are not severe and temporary, and can be treated by a doctor using medication. Some conditions, like depression and anxiety are a result of difficult life events, such as grieving over a loss or break-up in a relationship. Stress at work may be a contributing to the cause.

We can all take steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing by eating an appropriate diet, getting enough sleep, being active and learning how to manage stress. But everyone's needs are different and at times, we may need more assistance. This could include things like occupational therapy, talking therapies or medications.

There are also many charities and support services available to assist with a variety of issues, including addictions, debt, housing and eating disorders. The Five Year Forward view outlines the goals of the government for mental health services. It is our responsibility to make those dreams a reality.

Investing in children and young people's mental health, as outlined by the Time for Action report, is vital. CAMHS spending is currently behind adult mental health expenditure and funding is a lottery.

Health and social care professionals are increasing putting prevention at top of their agendas to improve the mental well-being 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 sectors that have pledged an agreement to make preventing mental illness a priority.

The NHS has declared that it is firmly committed in addressing the stigma and inequalities that exist within mental health and the gap between mental and physical health care. There is much to be done. We need to change the way that we think and speak about mental health. We need to break down the barriers that continue to divide us and create an environment where mental health is as important as physical well-being.