THE BUDGET: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MENTAL HEALTH?

Okay let’s get down to the serious stuff with regards to the 2018 British budget. Mental health. Many of us will know it has been much anticipated that there may be a worthy pay out considering all the media attention which has centred round this area. Within the past two weeks it has been highlighted that students are especially vulnerable to mental health difficulties and this is rising. This is set against the stereotypical image of mental health problems arising particularly from poverty stricken areas and people deemed deprived.

The truth is that mental health problems can affect individuals from all walks of life and it is not really helpful to stigmatize and segregate people or groups. It is everyone’s business. What is quite striking about the 2018 budget is not that the money may not be sufficient for mental health, which it won’t be but that it is all focused on supporting people in crisis. Of course this is essential and meets a huge need – a massive need. What is being ignored though is prevention and early intervention.

The stories we read about often involve someone who has reached out and their needs have not been met by professionals. This may be due to various reasons including a struggling NHS with long waiting times and patient’s urgencies not taken seriously enough. So yes the 3^rd budget by the current conservative chancellor could make some difference. There will be a 24 hour crisis hotline specifically for mental health issues. Again though, that word – crisis. There will be more ambulances for mental health ‘episodes’ and a presence within Accident and Emergency. What about stopping the development of the emergency?

This would not happen overnight by any means but there are many projects providing early initiatives such as placing counsellors in schools. What seems to go unrecognised is how very useful this would be in more educational settings and not only in the areas considered problematic. Children will be exposed to all sorts of adverse experiences including divorce, bereavement and bullying which may require additional support.

The Scottish government in contrast, when they announced their financial plan for mental health back in September were focused on the growing concern in Scotland in relation to the Children’s and adolescent’s mental health. Children can wait several months after an issue is recognised. Nicola Sturgeon announced 350 extra counsellors for schools with the aim being to have a counsellor available in all secondary schools.

Teachers will all eventually complete a course in mental health first aid. Progress is on the cards it seems but it will not be speedy enough for many who are on a long waiting list, showing symptoms which go unrecognised or who are frightened to seek help because of stigma.

This year’s budget emphasized that it was for ‘the grafters’ in society. The amount of ‘grafting’ that happens internally with those who have potentially been let down by mental health services towards getting better goes largely unnoticed. This is a pity because support would be appreciated far more than biased remarks.