A survey of UK doctors shows a worrying trend.
It’s Mental Health Awareness month, and although treatments continue to get better and the stigma continues to be reduced, there are still some worrying signs out there: for example, the fact that care for children with mental health problems appear to be quite subpar despite an increase in cases, warn officials in the UK.
A survey of 300 family doctors in England claims that there are not many resources out there from the NHS when it comes to children age 11-18 who are self-harming, according to a Guardian report.
And the problem appears to be getting worse, as 61 percent of GPs are seeing more cases than they did five years ago, while 83 percent say the services are either inadequate or totally inadequate to deal with this surge in cases.
About 86 percent of GPs say they are worried that young people who are waiting for treatment may resort to self-harm. There are often long waiting times for those seeking treatment, which can end up being deadly for the patient who gives up all hope.
It’s an indication that there is still much work left to be done in dealing with mental illness.
The theme for this year’s Mental Health Month is “Life with a Mental Illness,” and Mental Health America will ask individuals to share their experiences with mental illness, and tagging them on social media with #mentalillnessfeelslike.
“Posting with the hashtag will allow people to speak up about their own experiences, to share their point of view with individuals who may be struggling to explain what they are going through—and help others figure out if they too are showing signs of a mental illness,” the organization said in a statement. “Sharing is the key to breaking down negative attitudes and misperceptions surrounding mental illnesses, and to show others that they are not alone in their feelings and their symptoms.”
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