Universal remedies for mental health problems

I’ve mentioned the problems with mental health services in Greater Manchester before (eg. see previous post). Mental health workers in Manchester have recently called off their strike having obtained more funding for services (see Big Issue article). As I’ve said before (see eg. previous post), the problem isn’t just about more funding. 

The fundamental problem is the management of demand for mental health services. The trouble is that services themselves have exaggerated that demand by selling panaceas for mental health problems, both medication and psychological therapies (see eg. previous post). 

As the Big Issue article points out, the problem with coping with demand is not just in Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. I used to work at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), and as I have said on my personal blog (see eg. previous post), it also has had its institutional difficulties over the last 10 years. It has managed to correct problems in its Trust Board over recent years but services on the ground are still struggling to cope with demand. As far as beds are concerned, this is reflected in the endemic problem across the whole country of out of area placements. NSFT board recognises there is more to do to improve services but there also is a need for national direction. We are waiting to see how specific the new NHS 10-year Health Plan, postponed from June to July 2025, will be as far as mental health policy is concerned.