Is Britain Mentally Ill?

We have all heard the statistic that one in four people will live with a mental illness every year. In 2017 alone, 5,821 people took their own life with 75% of those being males, making suicide the biggest killer in men between 20 and 49 years old. Though this may seem shocking, it is estimated that one in fifteen people will attempt suicide in their lifetime.  Many celebrities have come out in support and solidarity; with faces such as Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson opening up about their struggles with anxiety and depression. Although awareness has risen through TV and film, only one in eight of those with mental illness receive treatment. Medication is the most common treatment, as the waiting list for therapy can be up to two years. The increase and acceptance of mental illnesses is a step in the right direction, however, to tackle the mental health crisis in the UK, there needs to be an influx of funding to NHS mental health services.

It is obvious that with the rise in awareness of mental illness, there will be more people seeking help with their mental wellbeing. Yet, a rise in awareness cannot count for the drastic rise that we see; studies suggest that as a whole more recent generations have a markedly higher rate of anxiety and depression related issues. Though many severe illnesses are related to genetic factors, environmental issues play their part. More than ever, younger people are feeling pressure to succeed in finding a respected career, buy a house, and get married. This is despite the fact that these goals are harder to obtain than in older times. Stable jobs are harder to come by, house prices have risen and the cost of marriage is higher than ever. World issues also have a part to play in the feeling of dread or helplessness faced by many; unstable governments and international relations have been quoted as stressors in one out of ten teenagers surveyed. They report feelings of uncertainty and a lack of control.

As those with a lower income are more likely to have issues with their mental health, the NHS is relied upon to provide care for those in need. Nevertheless, there has been an 8.25% (or £600million) shortfall in funding since 2010. This has led to 60% of local authorities cutting or freezing their Child and Adolescent mental health schemes. Even with care provided, doctors are not supplying adequate support; between 2003 and 2013, there were an average of 1,270 patient suicides per year. Patients being detained have been kept in hospital just long enough to exit their crisis, to be sent home without further care, only to reach crisis again and for the cycle to repeat itself. There is simply not enough money or resources at present to cope with the care needed. For those who do receive proper treatment, it is often far from home. For many, this is simply not viable; there is major expense in travelling long distances (especially if one cannot drive); others may feel unable to travel that far through anxiety and other illness.

The Mental Health Act has not been renewed since 1983, leaving those most vulnerable unprotected by an out of date system written to protect the public rather than the individual. Furthermore, patients have no say in their care plans or advocate/nominated person. The prime minister ordered an independent review of the current mental health care provided. The report suggested 150 changes to the current mental health act and subsequent care of patients, the government are enacting two of these. Patients will now be able to nominate an advocate and powers to challenge their treatment plans if they are not suited.

Other recommendations that I feel are important to note are:

• ·        Discontinuing the use of police cells for people in crisis.
• ·        Increase distinguishability between those who fall under The Mental Capacity Act and The Mental Health Act.
• ·        The creation of Advanced Choice Documents- allowing patients to agree to treatment before crisis or their capacity decreases.
• ·        The Government should resource policy development looking into alternatives to detention, and prevention of crisis.
• ·        There should be better access to long-term support for everyone to keep them well and prevent admission.

Although the increased positivity behind seeking help for mental illness is a huge stride, the lack of help available is abysmal. Nihara Krause put it perfectly when she said that ‘there are fewer services to signpost [children] to’. The NHS is overwhelmed with those in need with all ailments. The government needs to realise that our mental health is just as important as physical health, we need help. Cutting or freezing funds to vital services is a disgrace, and the lack of impact the report has made to legislation is even more so.

Charities available to help:

Time to Change, Mental Health Foundation, BACP Find a Therapist Directory,  PANDAS Foundation, The Centre for Mental Health.