One in ten people wait over a year for treatment. In that year, a person with mental health problems could end up being in a very vulnerable state. Without treatment, that person's mental state could deteriorate making the need for therapy even more urgent. These people may become desperate and without someone to talk to, may be in a very dangerous mind set. Around 1 in 6 people who commit suicide are on waiting lists for help. That's a pretty terrifying thought, right? Imagine the amount of people whose lives might be saved if waiting lists were shorter, if people got help sooner.
Of course therapy does not work for everyone but it is very effective in treating a number of mental illnesses. My doctor recommended that I self referred to talking therapies. I did so three times before I heard anything. Then I was told that my problems were "too complex" and referred to the local complex needs service. After filling out some questionnaires and sending them off, I have yet to hear anything. It has been 6 months so far. In that time, my depression has got worse. There are so many people like me having trouble like this and something needs to be done.
Yes, there will be some limits on access to therapies due to the numbers seeking them. However, addressing this needs to be a priority. The next government has to take this seriously. Something needs to be done to stop struggling people being put in a more difficult position with little or no help.
How can you help? Write to your local MP asking what they will be doing to improve mental health services. Make sure that these issues are on their radar.
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