This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
NHS urges people with mental health worries to seek help
People with mental health worries are being urged to seek help in a new phase of the NHS’s Help Us Help You campaign.
Although mental health services have been running throughout the coronavirus pandemic there was a marked dip in referrals despite evidence that coronavirus is making problems more common. In April 2020 only 57,814 referrals were made compared to 133,191 in April 2019. The latest figures from July show that referrals are recovering, but are still down by 11 per cent compared to last year.
A new NHS campaign is now encouraging anyone suffering from anxiety, depression or other issues to come forward for assessment and treatment.
NHS talking therapies, also known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT), are a confidential service ran by fully trained experts. People can access the service by visiting their GP or refer themselves online.
The service has been fully running throughout the pandemic with almost 95 per cent of talking therapies delivered remotely from July 2020 through a digital platform or over the phone, allowing people to stay in contact and get support more flexibly and comfortably. Face to face appointments are also still available, and services have implemented new measures to limit infection risks.
Claire Murdoch, NHS National Director for Mental Health, said: “The NHS has been and continues to be here for the nation’s mental health. We know the impact that Covid and lockdown can have on people’s mental health and it has never been more important to seek help. We are proud to launch our first national campaign on mental health services today and encourage people to come forward for mental health care.
“People might feel nervous about burdening the NHS or getting exposed to the virus but remember we are here to help. Whether you are a new mum, an older person or struggling with work, please speak to your GP or self-refer online so we can get you the mental health support you need. No matter what age you are, these therapies help and are effective and we want you to come forward.’
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