Previously, we discussed the rising instances of mental health disorders in the wake of COVID-19. There are a growing number of individuals who are experiencing mental health issues relating to the effects of the pandemic. Unfortunately, these growing numbers are not being remedied by essential services. In fact, mental health services on a national scale are failing to meet the needs of a society facing a new mental health crisis.

The shortfall of such services is most apparent when considering the needs of people. Shockingly, 86% of individuals said that they felt like they did not have the necessary support they required when experiencing a crisis. This figure is significant, not only describing the inability of people to access the services that are essential for their mental well-being but is also indicative of the greater costs to come, those associated with worsening mental health and untreated disorders among communities.

There are a number of ways in which national mental health services are struggling, with the most well-known being the lack of staffing. Mind charity notes that over 40% of mental health trusts report being unstaffed. This means that, even when services are established to help those in need, individuals are still not able to reach essential care because of fewer appointments and service operating hours. 

There is also evidence that when services are operational, there are significant wait times occurring, with only a third of individuals being seen within four hours. Since many causes of stress are due to professional commitments and finances, few have the ability to spend such a significant amount of time to pursue the support they need and, as a result, are likely to neglect obtaining help.

One particularly difficult statistic also reported by Mind is that less than 30% of those seeking help for their mental health felt like they were treated with respect and dignity. This dishearteningly low figure can be interpreted in a number of ways, primarily suggesting that staff are not receiving appropriate training. Regardless of the reasoning, it is crucial that this figure changes as those working within mental health services often reach those struggling at a critical point and their treatment can mean the difference between recovery and alienation. 

Thankfully, things are changing. The NHS is beginning to recognise mental health needs with greater significance, treating psychological well-being with the same regard as physical health. More services are now being made available for crisis response, helping those with immediate and severe struggles. And, as the conversation around mental health grows, especially in the wake of COVID, there are signs that stigmas are being erased. 

To alleviate the pressure on national mental health services, however, individuals can seek support during the occurrence of early symptoms. By recognising signs of common mental health disorders, or by acknowledging difficult circumstances and trauma, and then seeking support, the risk of worsening mental health is reduced, enabling individuals to restore or maintain their well-being, while minimising the pressure later placed upon services such as the NHS.
To speak to us about your mental health or to arrange an initial consultation, please contact us here.