Mental health is a big issue in the North East of England. Lots of people here face tough times with their mental and emotional health.
Key Takeaways
- The North East region has experienced a significant rise in mental health issues due to high rates of unemployment, poverty, substance abuse and social isolation.
- Economic disparities contribute to the mental health crisis, with limited access to resources and healthcare exacerbating mental health issues.
- Cultural stigma surrounding mental health in the North East often discourages individuals from seeking help or discussing their struggles openly.
- Raising awareness, reducing stigma, strengthening mental health services, integrating mental health education and collaborating with community organisations are essential steps to address the mental health crisis in the North East.
- Anxious Minds has been providing mental health support in the North East of England since 2015.
Introduction to Mental Health in the North East
In the North East, mental health awareness is very important due to many challenges. Children and young people in this area face mental health conditions at higher rates. This is shown with numbers and percentages in charts. In 2020, the percentage of school pupils needing mental health support changed with their age.
Overview of Mental Health Challenges in the Region
The North East has its share of mental health challenges. These include more hospital admissions, an increase in mental issues among the young, and specific worries like conduct or eating disorders. We don’t have local data on mental disorders in kids. So, we use national numbers to plan how to help them.
Mental health awareness is crucial in the North East, as the region faces a range of challenges related to mental well-being.” – MHNE
Charities like Anxious Minds at 0191 262 0305 are key in offering support and spreading the word about tackling these issues.
Mental Health in the North East
Recent data shows one in four people here has a mental health issue every year. It ranks third for common adult mental health problems nationwide. Also, adolescent self-harm rates are the highest in the UK.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Research
Preventing suicide is a top concern here. Public Health England and Local Authorities work together for this, including on a suicide prevention programme. This effort also uses up-to-date data to find the best ways to prevent suicide.
Investment in mental health research is significant in the North East. In 2022, over £750k went to improve mental health support, especially for children, young people, ethnic minorities, and those with other health issues. This support led to more than 100 new mental health projects and 20 research plans in the area.
| Mental Health Statistic | North East Region | England |
|---|---|---|
| Rate of common mental health problems for adults | 3rd highest | National average |
| Rates of adolescent self-harm | Highest | National average |
| Levels of heavy alcohol use and substance-related deaths | Highest | National average |
The numbers highlight North East England’s tough battle with mental health. They show why we urgently need more focused help and research. The efforts in suicide prevention and mental health study are important moves forward.
Risk Factors Contributing to Mental Health Issues
In the North East, many things make mental health hard for people. It is the third-worst place for mental health problems in all of England. Teenagers here hurt themselves more than in any other part of England. Also, the North East has more drinking and drug deaths than anywhere else in England.
Vulnerable Groups and Disparities
Some groups in the North East find life harder and face more mental health problems. This includes old people, those with disabilities and people from poor families. There’s more mental illness in really poor areas, adding to health problems.
We need special help for these groups. In 2022, we got £750k to study mental health in the North East better. This will help kids, black and ethnic minority groups and those with health problems.
Over 100 mental health studies will begin because of this funding. They’ll focus on making mental health care better, helping people early, treating long-term issues, and preventing harm. A special group will work on all this together.
New projects in the North East are helping with self-harm and suicide prevention. They’re looking at ways to make mental health care better for those who need it most. The North East is also leading in national efforts to prevent mental health problems.
“The funding will be used to set up a mental health special interest group (mSIG) across the region to develop an integrated approach to mental health research and care delivery.”
By understanding what makes mental health hard in the North East, and helping those who are most at risk, we can do better. Charities like Anxious Minds are offering support locally.
Local Resources and Support Services
There’s a vast range of resources and help for mental health. These places are key in making the community more open and supportive. They help those needing support for their mental health
MHNE is a big part of this. It brings together nearly 400 organisations. They run events and a monthly radio and podcast to help people share their experiences and support each other
The “Mentally Sound Podcast” is one great place for support. They’re always looking for new content and volunteers. Their aim is to make mental health awareness grow.
If you need help urgently, the North East has crisis teams and hotlines:
- The CRHT team can be reached at 0800 0516 171 for immediate mental health care in the TEWV NHS Trust area, available 24/7.
- Another CRHT team in the CNTW Trust area is ready to help day and night. It has a team of mental health specialists.
- In Newcastle and Gateshead, call 0191 814 8899 or 0800 652 2863 for free. There’s a text number for the hearing impaired: 07919 228 548.
- Sunderland and South Tyneside have teams you can reach at 0303 123 1145 or 0800 652 2867 for free. They also have a text line: 07889 036 280.
- There’s also support for Northumberland and North Tyneside. You can call 0303 123 1146 or 0800 652 2861 for free. A text service is available for those who are deaf or have communication difficulties: 07887 625 277.
Besides emergency support, many other organisations and helplines are there to help. This includes Samaritans, Papyrus HOPELINEUK, Shout, CALM, OCD UK, Rethink Mental Illness, SANE and Beat.
These local services are crucial for mental health in the North East. They offer a wide network of help. This helps the community pay more attention to their mental well-being.
The North East shows a strong commitment to mental well-being. There are hotlines, safe places and support groups. They all aim to help make the community mentally stronger.
Collaborative Approaches to Mental Health Care
In the North East, working together in mental healthcare is becoming very important. The goal of NHS-Led Provider Collaboratives is to give people with specific mental health needs the best care near their homes. They aim to reduce the times people with mental health conditions go to the hospital. These groups include teams from many places, like charities, different NHS bodies, and private providers.
Breaking Down Barriers Between Physical and Mental Health
One big aim is to blur the line between mental and physical health services. The NHS-Led Provider Collaboratives have started with certain services. They are helping young people with mental health, people who need secure care, and those facing eating disorders. They also team up with Integrated Care Systems, which pull in NHS groups, councils and more to plan services better.
This new way hopes to treat people in a connected and complete manner. It means working closely with local groups and experts, improving how care is done, sharing funds for alternative local care, and boosting the quality of services.
In the North East, this new way of working in mental health is creating a better, friendlier system for everyone. By linking physical and mental health support, those in the health sector hope to make sure everyone gets help as needed.
If you or someone you know is having a hard time with their mental health, it’s good to ask for help. Reach out to Anxious Minds at 0191 262 0305 or online at anxiousminds.co.uk.
Improving Access to Mental Health Services
Improving mental health services in the North East is a top goal. Mental Health North East (MHNE) leads in making help more available. They work to lessen obstacles and make it easier for people to get mental health support. Their aim is to link those in need with the right care swiftly.
Initiatives and Programmes
MHNE also works to expand services like therapy and crisis help. They are preparing for a big need for mental health help caused by the pandemic.
MHNE also focuses on helping vulnerable groups, like kids and teens. It’s estimated that 1.5 million young people in the UK will need help. The group works with local groups and the council to ensure help is there for these youngsters.
They join forces with others to tackle the upcoming rise in mental health needs. This effort will help over 2,500 people with depression in the North East and North Cumbria. MHNE’s work includes making services better and training health workers.
The MHNE is very active in suicide prevention too. They’re part of the Zero Suicide “Every Life Matters” team. This group looks at ways to reduce the risk of suicide after studying recent data.
By leading these new projects and schemes, MHNE makes mental health services better in the North East. They do this to help more people get the mental support they need. Their work makes it easier for individuals to take care of their mental health and enjoy life.
Severe and Enduring Mental Illness
The North East region of the UK helps people with severe and enduring mental illnesses. These conditions, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression, can really affect someone’s life and health. They work together with health providers and local groups. Their mission is to make mental health services more reachable and helpful for those who really need them.
Support and Treatment Options
There are many ways to get support and treatment for severe mental illnesses. Anxious Minds is one place offering a helpline. You can call them at 0191 262 0305 for advice and to find help.
Local doctors, councils, and groups team up to make sure people with complex mental health issues get the help they need. They offer things like therapy that works, help with medicines, and services that meet the needs of each person. This ensures they get ongoing care to tackle their challenges.
The North East is working hard to remove obstacles for people needing mental health care. They are creating stronger support networks and more options for treatment. Their aim is to boost the life quality of those with serious mental health needs.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated prevalence of common mental health disorders in Hartlepool (aged 16+) | 19.3% |
| Prevalence of depression in Hartlepool (aged 65+) | 12.0% |
| Recorded prevalence of depression in Hartlepool compared to national average | 0.2% lower than national average in 2017/18 |
| New depression registrations in Hartlepool | 1.7% in 2017/18 |
| Prevalence of depression and anxiety in Hartlepool patients | At least 3% above national average, peaking at 4.7% in 2014/15 |
| Reported long-term mental health problems in Hartlepool | 12.5% in 2017/18, a 119% increase from the previous year |
| Stable accommodation for individuals in contact with secondary mental health services in Hartlepool | 86.0%, the 4th highest level in England and a 165% increase from 2013/14 |
| Employment rate gap between individuals in contact with secondary mental health services and the overall employment rate in Hartlepool | Smallest gap in both the North East and England |
The North East understands the big challenges for those facing severe mental illnesses. For example, people with schizophrenia are more at risk of suicide than others. And 25-50% of those with bipolar disorder may try to hurt themselves.
The North East region is dedicated to giving support tailored to the needs of people with severe mental health conditions. They work together to really make a difference. Their goal is to improve these people’s lives and health.
Conclusion
Being a mental health professional in the North East is my goal. I aim to help people improve their mental well-being.
We also support those who are most at risk, as well as those with severe and long-lasting mental health problems. By focusing on mental health, we hope to see a future. In this future, mental health is just as important as physical health. This will help everyone live better in our area.
In the North East, mental health care is a mix of challenges and chances. Sadly, good care is not always easy to find. This is especially true for children. But, there is a new understanding of how crucial it is to help with mental health in our area.
To make things better, we aim to do a few key things. We want to train more experts who can help kids. We also plan to build systems of support that come from the community. Educational drives and using tech are part of the plan too. Everyone – from government workers to charity groups and local leaders – must work together to fix the mental health crisis in the North East.
By putting mental health first and using proven methods, the North East can become more kind and helpful. Charities like Anxious Minds (call 0191 262 0305) lead the way, offering much-needed help. Together, let’s make a future where talking about mental health is normal. And where everyone here can get the help and understanding they need.
Post a comment