Mental health care has been at the forefront of debates over the last year, which makes us feel that the time has finally come for mental health services to be improved. Nick Clegg’s unveiling of the coalition government’s health strategy for the next five years, has marked a significant shift for mental health services. Improvements are hoped to be made in areas such as psychological therapies, early intervention on psychosis and also the hope of receiving more funding.
Mental health conditions make up 21.9% of problematic diseases in the NHS, but unfortunately only receive 11.9% of the overall budget*. A noteworthy investment in to the mental health services wouldn’t be an investment in mental health provision alone; it would be an investment in the health and wellbeing of individuals. The prospect of good mental health creates a significantly positive contribution to the workforce and economy, due to ease of comfort for others to complete a task without the worry of anxiety for example, taking over.
Clegg’s annual speech to his party conference was dedicated to the treatment of mental illness. This is regarded unusual for a party leader to put this type of matter at the forefront of their party policy programme. However, Clegg proved it’s a matter worth discussing and explained, “It is wrong that relatives and friends needing a hip operation can expect treatment within a clear timeframe, but someone with a debilitating mental health condition has no clarity about when they will get help.
“I want this to be a country where a young dad chatting at school gates will feel as comfortable discussing anxiety, stress, depression, as the mum who is explaining she sprained her ankle.” It was also addressed at the conference that those who are in need of ‘talking therapies’ for conditions such as depression, will be guaranteed treatment within six weeks.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is an innovative treatment model for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), plus it enhances the morale and effectiveness of therapists who treat those with behavioural concerns. It comprises four standard components such as, Individual Therapy, Group Educational Skills Training, Team Meetings and Unscheduled Telephone Calls.
*http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2015/jan/20/five-ways-improve-mental-health-care-2015
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