The other day, Charles, the other founder of Stand Tall shared something that was a hard read. It was a report from Sapiens Lab, shedding light on a startling revelation: the United Kingdom’s state of mental wellbeing is at an all-time low, ranking just pipped to the post by Uzbekistan in global standings. This finding, part of their annual “Mental State of the World” report, is both shocking and a clarion call for immediate action. Is the suffering that bad?
The report, which gathered insights from almost 30,000 respondents worldwide, explored six dimensions of mental health: social self, mind-body connection, adaptability and resilience, mood and outlook, drive and motivation, and cognition. The results for the UK were not just surprising; they were alarming.
What is perhaps even more concerning is the trend observed over the last few years. While the older generations showed some resilience, bouncing back post-COVID, our younger generations remain in a worrying plateau of well-being, or lack thereof. This stagnation among our youth raises pressing questions: Why are our younger generations not recovering? What societal factors are contributing to this persistent state of distress?
The implications of these findings are profound. The mental health of our young people shapes the future of our nation. They are the next generation of parents, workers, and leaders. If their mental well-being is compromised, what does this mean for the social and economic future of the UK?
The causes behind the UK’s dismal ranking are complex and multifaceted. From economic pressures to the impact of social media, from the legacy of the pandemic to the existential dread spurred by global crises – the factors are numerous and intertwined. I think I speak for lots of people when I say that it feels like things are pretty bad. We’ve had a rough few years globally. However, as a mental health professional, my perspective is both broad and nuanced. I believe a significant part of the solution lies in our approach to mental health care and societal support structures.
The current mental health model, heavily reliant on government and healthcare systems, is not sustainable. With budget constraints, staffing shortages, and rising demand, the system is stretched thin. This is not to undermine the importance of these services; rather, it is a call to complement them with community-driven support and self-empowerment.
It’s time for a shift in perspective – from outsourcing our well-being to big societal structures to taking ownership of what’s within our control. This doesn’t mean diminishing the role of healthcare services but rather ensuring these services are available for those in dire need, while the rest of us build resilience and take proactive steps towards mental well-being.
The UK has a rich history of overcoming adversity, from the resilience shown during the Blitz to the contributions to philosophy, science, and the arts. It’s this spirit of community, resilience, and innovation that we must tap into. We need to foster a culture where community support, individual empowerment, and proactive mental health care are the norms.
This is a call to action – to individuals, communities, and policymakers. It’s time to refocus our efforts on building resilient communities, empowering individuals with the tools for self-care, and ensuring our young people have the support and resources they need to thrive. The future of our nation depends on it.
Three Pillars of Community Well-being
I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes our communities stronger and how we can all contribute to a better mental well-being atmosphere around us. It seems to boil down to three main pillars that, though already part of many communities, could use a bit more attention and effort from all of us, not just the big organisations or local authorities. Here’s a bit of a deep dive into them.
Building Connections
First up, there’s the real power of simply connecting with each other, face-to-face. Whether it’s joining a local sports team, attending a coffee morning, or even braving a cold water swim, these activities bring us closer in a very human way. It’s about reaching out to those who might feel a bit sidelined and inviting them in. The idea here is simple: the more we connect, the stronger our community ties become.
Social Enterprising
Next, we have the incredible potential of social enterprising. Honestly, I’ve met so many amazing people doing equally amazing things right here in our backyard. It’s a reminder that we don’t always need to wait for a cue from larger entities to make a difference in our daily well-being. Whether it’s grassroots projects or local innovations, there’s a lot we can do from the ground up to support each other.
Learning
And then there’s learning. I’m not just talking about formal education but sharing knowledge and experiences that enrich us all. From workshops on emotional resilience to skill-sharing sessions, there’s a wealth of knowledge within our community that can help us navigate life’s ups and downs. Making these learning opportunities engaging and relevant, especially for the younger folks among us, could really set the stage for a brighter future.
So, there you have it. While these pillars might not be the ultimate fix, they represent a strategic and, more importantly, a doable approach to enhancing mental well-being in our communities. It’s about taking small, practical steps together towards a bigger goal—a more connected, resilient, and empowered place for all of us.
What do you think? Ready to give it a go and see where we can take this together?
About the author
Paul Regan
I have been working as a mental health nurse since 2016 and have been around the block working in a lot of different areas. At present I work in a service where I assess people and provide interventions. I love my job, I love learning and talking to people about mental health and wellbeing. This article represents my personal opinion and is certainly not medical advice. If you have concerns about your mental health please speak with a GP or health professional.
The CALL helpline – 0800 132 737 or text HELP to 81066. Sometimes reaching out for support whether it is a friend, family member or GP is the hardest thing to do, but a good way to do this is by talking to someone through a confidential and impartial service. CALL Offers emotional support, a confidential listening service and information/literature on Mental Health and related matters to the people of Wales and their relatives/friends.
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