Rethink Mental Illness, based in the UK, says the government broke its promise when it scrapped the 10-year Mental Health & Wellbeing Plan -- instead deciding to create what the government calls a Major Conditions Strategy. The charities say:
"This shows a failure to prioritise the country’s mental health and challenge the causes of mental illness at a time when demand for support is soaring."
Along with Rethink Mental Illness, Mind, Samaritans, and the Mental Health Foundation are working together to demand action from the government. They say they're concerned linking mental health with other chronic health conditions (like cancer) will not give people what they need the most: support.
“The merging of the mental health plan with a Major Conditions Strategy risks excluding our children and young people, who are less likely to experience chronic ill-health, yet are the most likely to benefit from early action to protect their mental health. Prevention should be at the heart of the new plan - for all the conditions it will cover - but the government’s emphasis is on the other end of life: extending people’s healthy life expectancy."
“We need sustained investment in high-quality person-centred support for mental health and social care services, but a percentage of NHS spend should be dedicated to preventative mental health interventions, working with and developing alongside people who are more likely to experience a mental health difficulty.”
At Elizabeth's Smile, we share these concerns. Grieving children need support -- and not all children grieve the same. Some might hold things in, others might want to share their feelings.
A YoungMinds survey found 76% of parents said "child's mental health had deteriorated while waiting for support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)." The waiting game--especially when going through grief--can be excruciating. When time is of the essence to get children help, getting them immediate help could make the most positive impact for them--quickly.
No child should have to wait for much needed support.
No child should be left behind by their own government.
It's okay to feel like you're not okay, and it's devastating so many children are struggling with their mental health. If you or your child are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to the below resources.
iF YOU ARE IN THE UK:
Infoline: 0300 123 3393
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Call 116 123 - it's FREE.
Or email jo@samaritans.org.uk
Text Shout to 85258.
Call Rethink on 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).
Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or use their webchat here.
iF YOU ARE IN THE US:
Call or text 988; Llame al 988 (para ayuda en español)
Use Lifeline Chat on the web (English only)
Or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.
or chat with us, M-F, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET.