What support do those with mental health issues get from the NHS?
A damning report from an independent taskforce has highlighted a range of problems with mental health services, from soaring suicide rates to the fact that only 15% of those who need treatment are currently receiving it. This has prompted NHS bosses to invest in excess of £1bn annually in this area by 2020-21.
The NHS taskforce found that too many people have received no help at all for too long, “leading to hundreds of thousands of lives being put on hold or ruined, and thousands of tragic and unnecessary deaths”. It has set out how services could be transformed over the next decade, saying that priorities must include making sure people have access to mental health care seven days a week.
What experiences have you had of NHS mental health services? Have you or your family received treatment? Or were you put off getting help by long waiting times? Share your stories and experiences.
