mental illness

[ed34]

At last it looks as though the English Government are going to take Mental Illness seriously and the new reforms to the NHS will take this into account. It has been stated by health experts that nearly all cancer and heart disease patients have some form of Mental Illness, for example depression. It has been estimated that around 20% of the public have Mental Illness, 16% have Heart disease and 16% cancer. They have at last seen the link and believe that taking Mental Illness seriously and treating professionally will severely decrease such illnesses as Heart disease and Cancer. Personally I think they are three decades too late in realising this, but at least they have now woken up.
I bet some drug companies will be shaking in their boots because it will be goodbye statins, and hello anti depression medications. I also personally believe they should start with Schools, educating children on stress/anxiety and how to handle them. Relaxation classes would also be good benefit. It won't be easy because lifestyles in developed countries have dramatically changed in the last few decades and stress levels in daily life have increased hugely, but at least it would be a start.

[Mom2four85]

sounds like a good plan; to know someone is there who's going through what you are and can relate is really important going through any type of illness...

I think the hardest thing I've gone through is admitting I have a problem mentally and acceptance that I'm not as strong as I thought I was and part of that has to do with all of my physical problems...all of my dr's but my primary told me it wasn't their problem to go talk to someone, yet had they taken 3 minutes to talk to me they may have helped me see I had PTSD.; instead it was here's another pill even from my primary - try lexapro to see how it works.

too many patients, not enough time and caring in today's world so a place like what you're thinking about may really help

[ed34]

My Doctor has a small hall in her surgery which is used twice a week for baby clinics. I am considering asking her if I can use it once or twice a week for heart patients. Currently patients go to rehab for six weeks, then they are all alone. Many end up talking to themselves and this is terrible for the mind and gives no answers. I think it will be good that people in the community realise they are not alone and have others in a similar situation to talk to.
Many heart patients have fears about going out, afraid something will go wrong and they will be alone. I think organising day trips where they know everyone has each others backs will be a great thing, a real confidence booster.
What do people think?

[Mom2four85]

I completely agree...one thing about the US that really bugs me is the physical ed programs were one of the first to go with budget cuts; yet they're harping on obesity - esp childhood obesity.

Kids spend 7 or 8 hours a day at school cooped up in a classroom sitting in a desk  which seems more important than spending 30-45 min 5 days a week during school getting fresh air during the day and exercising and playing having fun.

One way to combat not only obesity, mental illness as well as many other illnesses is through physical activity and exercise, which I think are all related and should be taken more seriously but many doctors here still don't.  

If they kept the PE in schools and made it a priority as in the past; I think we would see a huge benefit both physically and mentally and start children on a lifelong healthy path.

I know for myself when I was put on physical restrictions; my mental state went downhill quickly and depression set in.