PRESS RELEASE - Under Supported NHS fuels "Dangerously" Growing Suicide Rate

• New Survey highlights lack of adequate support in “dangerously long” waiting times
• Children wait 32 weeks for help
• 6,581 people committed suicide in the UK and Republic of Ireland in 2014
• The suicide crisis is now the biggest killer of young men
• Survey shows patients desperate for earlier intervention and face-to-face services

The Mental Health Sub-Committee of the UK's Youth Health Parliament 2016 present their first report on the struggles faced by today's NHS and the public before a 'White Paper' Policy is presented to HM Government later this year.

Campaigns such as Time to Change are tackling the stigma
of mental health however there is a "lack of support" 

In today’s society improving Mental Heath has been put at the top of the political agenda. At the last election the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, UKIP and the Green parties pledged to increase the mental health budget within their manifestos. Alongside this, public interest has become amplified with more individuals suffering from or aware of the struggles surrounding mental health. This year additional funding has been set-aside for Clinical Commissioning Groups to transform mental health services for young people, in order to meet the better standards.

Increased funding is essential. Expanding the number of people able to access psychological therapy beyond 25% is a non-negotiable issue. The lack of adequate support causes “dangerously long” waits being faced by the majority, as described by service users (Y.H.P, 2016). Where those suffering in silence face no chance at all until the situation becomes critical. Therefore it cannot come as much of a surprise that 6,581 people committed suicide in the UK and Republic of Ireland in 2014 (Samaritans, 2016).

The YHP is "Calling for innovative and proactive motions"

The suicide crisis has grown to the extent that it is now the biggest killer of young men and to combat this de-stigmatized outreach is needed. Although no genders are exempt from the higher levels of risk associated with access problems. Levels of adolescent self-harm are on the rise. Policy changes need to implement ways of getting people to access help before the situation becomes unbearable. This could potentially be done by operationalizing service success through the numbers of those approaching for help. Generating a focused drive for awareness and outreach as opposed to an observatory approach.

Prioritised sustainability and transformation actions (2015) include involving experts by experience (otherwise known as service users), introducing conclusive plans to reduce suicides, as well as putting into place feasible measures to significantly increase provisions of psychological therapy. For which long-term goals should ensure an extra 70,000 people gain access by 2020. Calling for innovative and proactive motions to achieve these targets.

"I believe that young people care about politics and engagement on every level is the democratic right of every UK citizen. Politics should not be a reserve for the wealthy. I also believe that each and every person has mental health. When mental health difficulties occur, people should feel comfortable seeking help, and support should be readily available."  - Sam Ward

Opportunities for in person counseling are few and vary dependent upon location. Paradoxically patients have highlighted they would prefer to discuss these sensitive topics face-to-face (YHP, 2016). Similarly the Independent Mental Health Taskforce (2016) found the average waiting time for child IAPT services is 32 weeks, a delay that is likely to affect patient engagement. Where the speed of accessing professional help in a form they are most comfortable with could have a larger impact on improving their mental health. Where 30% of surveyed patients would describe an in-person drop-in counseling service as extremely useful. In addition to this BACP qualified counselors and psychotherapists are finding it difficult to gain experience towards an accredited status through face-to-face means. These professionals are desperate to help and develop their skills to do so. They need only the opportunity.

Employers are responsible for the physical
and mental health of their staff.

System failures within the context of eating disorders surround assessment methods emphasizing BMI over the severity of disordered thoughts. Creating a notion of not being “sick enough” based upon weight and being told to come back when thinner. This drastically complicates accessing help and aggravates the condition of a vulnerable person. The knock on effects in terms of prolonged and reoccurring treatment needs are increased, before acknowledging that eating disorders have highest mortality rate of mental illnesses from physical health complications. A preventative operation is needed to both reduce the cost to the individual and NHS.

The UK Royal Family have been proactive of their support for
mental health care and preventative support

The affect that gender identity or LGBTQ status can have upon one’s mental health may be significantly underrated by current mental health services. Even the Mental Health Strategic Partnership excludes any mention of LGBTQ within their discussion of better meeting the needs of minority groups and the population as a whole in their (2012) paper. Incorporating co-design between patients and managers could help adapt treatments to better understand and suit the requirements of specific population of patients.

The ages between 16-25 are crucial for the emergence or further development of mental health issues. Especially considering that the average age of the first onset for psychosis is 22 (Young Minds, 2006). CAHMS currently only runs up until the age of 18 and handoffs between child and adult services do not always run smoothly. Within this many do not receive help. Generating access problems for a specific age range particularly likely to be at risk.

Our research indicates a service wide fundamental need for change towards prevention. To address this Youth Health Parliament have designed the Mental Wealth Initiative which aims to guide a more patient informed and directed service, to get to grips with early intervention for young people when difficulties first arise. Using this progressive approach functions as a basis model adaptable to the needs of the individual and local area.

Presented by Anna Perry
For more information please contact our official Twitter: 
twitter.com/yhpmentalhealth

References:

Independent Mental Health Taskforce to the NHS in England (2016). The five year forward view for mental health. Mental Health Taskforce Strategy.

Samaritans (2016). Suicide statistics report 2016 – including data for 2012-2014.
Sustainability and Transformation Plans (2015). STP aide-mémoire: Mental Health and Dementia. NHS.
Mental Health Strategic Partnership (2012). No health without mental health: A guide for clinical commissioning groups.
Youth Health Parliament (2016). Patient feedback on the current UK mental health system.

Young Minds (2006).  SOS Stressed out and struggling: Commissioning Mental Health Services for 16-25 year-olds.