The importance of mental health and well-being in the UK
Mental health is an important element of well-being in the UK since it impacts how a person operates psychologically, emotionally, and socially, among other things. Given the importance of an individual's mental health in every aspect of life, it is critical to protect and develop psychological wellness, as there are several external and internal elements that can damage it.
Good mental health means being able to think, feel, and react in the ways that a person needs and wants to live their life. However, once people go through a phase of poor mental health, it will affect their thinking, feelings, or reactions, making it difficult to cope with. Around 1 in 5 adults in the UK experience some form of mental health problem every year. This figure has doubled after the COVID-19 pandemic, as nearly half of the adults in the UK have reported that their well-being has been affected by the pandemic.
In this article, we will explore what mental health is, its benefits and importance, risk factors, and the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in the UK.
What is mental health?
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects one's thoughts, feelings, and actions, as well as how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make good choices. In other words, mental health is defined as a condition of well-being in which a person is able to cope with typical life challenges.
What factors contribute to bad mental health?
There are various factors that affect mental health and well-being and could increase the risk of developing psychological disorders:
1. Childhood abuse:
Physical assault, sexual violence, emotional abuse, or neglect as a child can cause serious mental and emotional distress. Abuse increases the risk of developing mental or personality disorders. Such children, in their later lives, may eventually deal with alcohol and substance use disorders. They may also have medical complications such as diabetes, stroke, and other forms of health disease.
2. The environment:
A person's environment will have a strong influence on mental health and cause negative effects on psychological wellness. For instance, experiencing a natural disaster or the death of a loved one can increase the chance of developing mental health issues. Living in a positive social setting, on the other hand, can provide protection against mental problems.
3. Biology:
A person's biological upbringing could determine the state of their well-being. Several mental health illnesses have been discovered to run in families and may be passed down through generations. These could include conditions such as autism, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.
4. Lifestyle:
Your lifestyle can also impact your mental health. Smoking, a poor diet, alcohol consumption, substance use, and risky sexual behaviour may cause psychological harm. These behaviours have been linked to depression.
What are the early warning signs of a mental health problem?
There are certain early warning signs that you should be aware of and they are as follows:
1. Mood swings or the constant feeling of being low.
2. A switch in eating habits, whether overeating or undereating.
3. Indulging in alcohol, tobacco, or other substances more than usual.
4. Disturbed sleep, either not getting proper sleep or sleeping too much.
5. Having difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
6. Hearing voices or seeing things with no identifiable source.
7. Being unable to perform daily tasks with ease.
8. Inexplicable bewilderment, rage, guilt, or worry.
9. Withdrawing from social activities and spending less time with friends and family.
10. Experiencing recurring physical symptoms such as aches and pains or other unexplained illnesses.
These are just a few examples of prevalent mental health symptoms.
What are the benefits of good mental health?
Some of the advantages of excellent mental health are as follows:
1. A strong ability to cope with life stressors:
When one's mental and emotional states are at their peak, life's obstacles may be simpler to overcome. Whereas alcohol or drugs, seclusion, tantrums, or fighting may have been used to cope with relationship conflicts, financial woes, work obstacles, and other life issues, a stable mental state can enable healthier coping techniques.
2. A positive self-image:
Mental health greatly correlates with personal feelings about oneself and plays an important role in your self-esteem. Confidence is frequently a reliable indicator of a healthy mental condition. A person whose mental health is in good shape is more inclined to focus on the positive aspects of themselves.
3. Healthier relationships:
When a person's mental health is in good condition, they will be able to provide more quality time, affection, and support to friends and family. When you are emotionally and mentally stable, you can focus on the people you love and care about.
4. Better productivity:
Dealing with any mental health issue can drastically affect your productivity levels. When a person is psychologically powerful, they can perform more effectively and deliver higher-quality work.
5. Higher quality of life:
When mental well-being thrives, the quality of life may improve, giving people more room for greater participation in community building. For instance, you can engage in more volunteer work or focus on yourself.
COVID-19's impact on mental health in the UK
The mental health of people in the UK has deteriorated post-COVID. The number of people in the UK with anxiety, depression, and stress has worsened during and post-COVID. Children, women, and adults are at the highest risk for poor mental health in the UK.
According to a UK government survey, approximately 49.6% of respondents indicated a higher level of anxiety. Because mental health disorders have multi-factorial causes, all of these elements come into play at the same time after a disaster like COVID-9.
There is broad agreement that the anticipated link between the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health outcomes underscores the significance of prioritising mental health financing alongside physical health, as specified in the NHS Long-Term Plan.
Tips to preserve mental healthcare
There are basically five steps through which you can improve your mental health and well-being, and they are as follows:
1. Connect: Spending more time with your loved ones, including friends, families, colleagues, and neighbours, will help build a solid relationship and can avoid the feeling of loneliness.
2. Be active: You don't have to go to the gym and work out. Instead, you can take part in some sports activities, such as football, or take a walk, which can help you with mental health problems.
3. Keep learning: Learning new skills can help you develop a sense of confidence and achievement.
4. Take notice: Be aware of the present moment, including your thoughts, feelings, and body. Avoid overthinking about your future and past.
5. Help others: Acts of kindness will help bring positivity and can have a positive impact on an individual's mental health.
These are just a handful of the things you can do to keep someone healthy. Nurses Group Homecare in the UK recognises the importance of mental health and well-being, and our team is extensively trained in providing aid to the mentally ill. Furthermore, we acknowledge that not only our clients but also our employees' mental well-being is important. Given this, we assist carers in achieving a healthy work-life balance.