Page 4 - Index

CHANGING ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH
In the past, people with mental health
problems have experienced stigma and
discrimination, with many struggling to
get the right help at the right time3
.
Historically, the NHS has treated their minds and bodies separately
and services have been significantly underfunded3. Spending on mental
health has equated to approximately 11% of the NHS budget, despite
accounting for 23% of the burden of disease in the UK8
.
11 %
NHS FUNDING
23%
BURDEN OF
DISEASE
This is now changing. Public attitudes toward mental health are more
accepting and the NHS Long Term Plan suggests a shift towards a
‘whole person’ approach, with a commitment to put mental healthcare
2
on a level footing with physical health services9. NHS England’s Five
Year Forward View for Mental Health sets out plans for improving
and expanding mental healthcare – including the NHS creating a new
ringfenced local investment fund worth at least £2.3 billion a year by
2023/249
.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for a mental health
problem10. Talking therapy is suggested as a first line option for milder
forms of depression with guidelines suggesting that people in the UK
with moderate to severe depression should be offered a combination
of an antidepressant and talking therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy (CBT)11
.