The good news: mental illness in the UK doesn’t discriminate. The bad news: mental illness in the UK doesn’t discriminate. Despite the fact that nearly 1 in 4 people will suffer from some form of mental illness over the course of their life, there’s still a stigma surrounding these issues in society.
It can be very difficult to talk about – but it shouldn’t be. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we should work to remove the stigma surrounding it so we can all get the help we need.
1-How Common Is Mental Illness In The Uk?
Mental illnesses are common, affecting one in four people at any given point in time. There are many reasons behind this, some of which include genetics, our environment, and our lifestyle. Mental health can affect anyone irrespective of age, gender, or race.
Mental disorders can be broadly categorized into three main types: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. Anxiety disorders comprise generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and social phobia.
Mood disorders include depression with or without the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and bipolar disorder. Psychotic disorders are characterized by hallucinations or delusions such as schizophrenia that may last for a few months or years at a time.
2-The Costs Of Mental Health Illnesses
Mental health disorders are common and it is estimated that one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point. In fact, one in six people will have a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Mental illnesses are also thought to cost society £69 billion every year. Mental health problems can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors which include childhood trauma, drug and alcohol misuse, poverty, unemployment, and social isolation.
There are many treatments available for those suffering from mental illnesses which range from talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to drugs such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
3-Poor Mental Health Can Lead To Poor Physical Health
There are many factors that contribute to both good and poor mental health. One factor includes genetics, which has a significant impact on the chances of developing a specific disorder or condition.
Exposure to trauma can also cause both short- and long-term emotional and behavioral problems. Social factors such as living conditions, education level, unemployment status, income level, and marital status have also been related to poor mental health.
People with poor mental health are more likely than those who do not suffer from a chronic condition or illness to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol excessively, overeating, not exercising enough—or even engaging in self-harm such as cutting oneself.
4-The Stigma Around Mental Illness
Mental health is a topic that’s gaining more attention in the media and on social media. But what about those who suffer from mental illness, how common is a mental illness in the UK?
At least one-in-four adults will experience some kind of problem with their mental health during their lifetime, so it’s not uncommon to feel like you’re not alone. However, there are still many stigmas surrounding this topic that need to be fought against to help prevent people from feeling isolated when they are struggling with their own personal battles.
The Mental Health Foundation’s website has resources for anyone looking for more information or struggling with their issues. They have a helpline that can provide support if you’re experiencing something difficult or just want someone to talk to.
5-Barriers To Treatment And What We Can Do About It
Mental health problems are common. Almost one in four people will experience a diagnosable mental disorder at some point in their life. Here’s how you can find help, either for yourself or someone else:
- Speak to your doctor – they’ll be able to tell you if your symptoms might be due to a physical problem, like depression or anxiety.
- Speak to your GP about antidepressants – these drugs can help treat milder forms of depression by adjusting levels of chemicals (such as serotonin) in the brain that regulate moods.
- If your symptoms persist after discussing them with a doctor and trying antidepressants, consider talking to an experienced professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist who can offer more specialist treatments for more complex cases.
6-7 Easy Tips For Self-Care
First, take care of your body. Next, take care of your emotions. Thirdly, take care of your mind. Fourth, take care of your relationships. Fifth, find some meaning and purpose. Sixth, build a supportive network around you. Seventh and finally, practice self-compassion every day
7-What We Can Do To Improve The Situation
There are a few ways we can work to improve the situation. Educating people and providing them with resources would be a great place to start. We could also do more research into what actually causes mental illnesses so that we can develop better treatments. Finally, we could commit to improving our own mental health by taking time for self-care and practicing self-compassion.
A lot of people in the United Kingdom suffer from mental illness and it’s hard to know exactly how common it is because most people don’t talk about it. It can be difficult to admit when you have a mental illness or if you’re just feeling stressed out or anxious, but everyone experiences those feelings at some point in their lives.
Mental illnesses include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among others.
