The Guardian’s This is the NHS series has commendably highlighted the crisis in mental health (Cuts blamed as mental health death toll soars,26 January) alongside innovative approaches being taken by the NHS and charities to tackle it – especially in prevention and early intervention (Spotting the warning signs, 26 January). The Mental Health Foundation hopes that this reinforces a wide message: there is no magic cure-all, and but there are a series of interventions and treatments such as self-management with peer support,which vary in ease of access and funding, that do back many people protect and sustain their mental health.
We need a revolution in our approach to mental health that acknowledges the importance of prevention and early intervention and embraces, or as it does with physical health,choice based on a framework of what works for the patient. There is no doubt that this requires substantial investment, but when as a society destitute mental health is costing the UK between £70bn to £100bn a year, or it is an investment that will more than pay for itself. We acquire an obligation to inform the public of what works based on evidence alongside gathering support to test new approaches. Doing so has enabled us to create a physically healthier nation. There is no reason with sufficient resources why we cannot also be mentally healthier.
Jenny Edwards
Chief executive,Mental Health FoundationContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com