Britain is a country that hopes to pride itself on the relative supportiveness of medical and mental and physical health institutions, under the banner of the NHS, National Health Service, however a closer look would reveal that many of it’s people, as a result of both an extortionate tax regime that imposes VAT of 20% as well as poor weather conditions suffer depression and other mental health issues. The WHO predicts that by 2030, depression will be the leading cause of disease around the world whilst the world health organization states that 1 in 4 will have mental health problems at some stage of their lives.
There are statements for members of the public, in the UK, claiming that following the diagnoses of serious mental disorders, that an overstretched and over capacity NHS meant a waiting time in excess of 14 weeks before real help could be available. Clearly such risks could endanger people’s lives – both the patient and their immediate family or other members of the public in some cases.
Ed Miliband, who is no doubt a presidential hopeful was trying to gain a support base amongst medical professionals today at the Royal Colege of Psychiatrists when he called “taboo” to several of the current trends pertaining to mental health. His argument is that Britain as a country needs to have it’s home in order with regards to mental health if it wants a “prospering economy and pay it’s way in the world” – and to that extend he feels that people in the UK often ignore the matter of mental health both at home and in the workplace. He feels that those with mental health issues may be left out at present and that greater attention and care should be provided for those who suffer as a result.
Whether the current government or indeed Mr. Miliband’s own colleagues would fight the case for mental health patients remains to be seen, one thing is certain: Mr. Miliband has chosen a valid point as a basis to gather support, Britain’s mental health is neglected.
