Mental health services in England are at crisis point, says Dr Martin Baggaley, medical director of the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (BBC News, 16th October 2013). In recent years more than 1500 beds have closed with many NHS trusts working beyond capacity.
The research conducted by BBC News and Community Care magazine found that a minimum of 1,711 mental health beds have been closed since April 2011, including 277 between April and August 2013, a 9% reduction in the total number of mental health beds - 18,924 - available in 2011/12.
Speaking to the BBC, Dr Baggaley, commented: "We are in a real crisis at the moment. I think currently the system is inefficient, unsafe. We're certainly feeling it on the front line, it's very pressured, and we spend a lot of our time struggling to find beds, sending people across the country which is really not what I want to do. There seems to be a genuine increase in demand. That's partly explained by a reduction in beds, by resources coming out of the health system, the squeeze on social services budgets, and by the general economic situation."
For more news stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health please visit TherapyMe.com or the TherapyMe news blog.
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
News: Domestic abuse to include non-violent control - BBC
Legal definitions of domestic abuse in the UK will now include psychological and emotional abuse as well as physical violence, the BBC reports (19th September 2012) as the Home Office announces changes that will take effect from March 2013.
The article quotes one victim: "There were several incidents of violence over the six years that I suffered. However, there were many more incidents of psychological and emotional abuse that went on even if there was no violence. These were about control and power and diminishing my self-esteem to the point of not being able to see what was going on or trust my own instincts. Because there were fewer incidents of violence, I didn't consider myself a victim of domestic violence.
"Only after when the violence escalated, when divorce proceedings were started and my ex-husband started losing control over me, and the children witnessed the abuse, did I realise I was a victim and I must do something. If I had been more aware that I was suffering the psychological abuse and emotional abuse, I may have been more able to see what was going on and get the help I needed for me and the children much sooner."
For more media reports about mental health, counselling and psychotherapy visit Therapy Me: Psychotherapy and Counselling in Central London and South London.
The article quotes one victim: "There were several incidents of violence over the six years that I suffered. However, there were many more incidents of psychological and emotional abuse that went on even if there was no violence. These were about control and power and diminishing my self-esteem to the point of not being able to see what was going on or trust my own instincts. Because there were fewer incidents of violence, I didn't consider myself a victim of domestic violence.
"Only after when the violence escalated, when divorce proceedings were started and my ex-husband started losing control over me, and the children witnessed the abuse, did I realise I was a victim and I must do something. If I had been more aware that I was suffering the psychological abuse and emotional abuse, I may have been more able to see what was going on and get the help I needed for me and the children much sooner."
For more media reports about mental health, counselling and psychotherapy visit Therapy Me: Psychotherapy and Counselling in Central London and South London.
Friday, 6 July 2012
News: Well-being and education "go together" - BBC News
Could happiness be related to life-long learning? This BBC News (5th July 2012) story suggests a correlation, reporting on research from the Office of National Statistics. People who are better educated are more likely to say they are satisfied with their lives.
Friday, 8 July 2011
News: Suicide rates in Europe 'linked' to financial crisis - BBC News
Suicide rates have increased following the global banking crisis, according to research published in The Lancet (9 July 2011).
The BBC (8 July 2011) reports that there has been an increase in suicides of between 5% and 17% in nine countries.
Researchers compared data of 10 countries with only Austria recording a drop in suicide rates between 2007-2009. The UK saw a 10% rise, with 6.75 suicides per 100,000 people. Greece had the worst record.
Dr David Stuckler of the research team comments: "There was a complete turnaround. Suicides were falling before the recession, then started rising in nearly all European countries studied. Almost certainly these rises are linked to the financial crisis."
For more stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health please visit www.therapyme.com.
The BBC (8 July 2011) reports that there has been an increase in suicides of between 5% and 17% in nine countries.
Researchers compared data of 10 countries with only Austria recording a drop in suicide rates between 2007-2009. The UK saw a 10% rise, with 6.75 suicides per 100,000 people. Greece had the worst record.
Dr David Stuckler of the research team comments: "There was a complete turnaround. Suicides were falling before the recession, then started rising in nearly all European countries studied. Almost certainly these rises are linked to the financial crisis."
For more stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health please visit www.therapyme.com.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
News: Money woes 'linked to rise in depression' - BBC News
Money worries and concerns about the economy are taking their toll on the nation's mental health, according to a BBC News report in the UK (7 April 2011).
Prescriptions for anti-depressants have increased by more than 40% over the past four years. During the same time period, there has been a four-fold increase in referrals to talking therapies, according to Department of Health figures.
Marjorie Wallace of mental health charity Sane comments: "It is impossible to say for sure that economic problems are leading to a rise in depression. But we are certainly hearing more from people who are worried where the next meal is coming from, job security and cuts in benefits - many who are getting in touch with us for the first time. It is a toxic combination, especially for those who already have darker thoughts and other problems."
More news about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health can be found on the www.therapyme.com website.
Prescriptions for anti-depressants have increased by more than 40% over the past four years. During the same time period, there has been a four-fold increase in referrals to talking therapies, according to Department of Health figures.
Marjorie Wallace of mental health charity Sane comments: "It is impossible to say for sure that economic problems are leading to a rise in depression. But we are certainly hearing more from people who are worried where the next meal is coming from, job security and cuts in benefits - many who are getting in touch with us for the first time. It is a toxic combination, especially for those who already have darker thoughts and other problems."
More news about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health can be found on the www.therapyme.com website.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
News: One in five Britons has consulted a counsellor or a psychotherapist - The Observer
Has there been a 'therapy revolution' in the UK? A survey conducted by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) suggests there has. Their survey, featured in an article in The Observer (1 August 2010), says one in five Britons has consulted a psychotherapist or counsellor.
The stigma of talking about problems with a therapist appears to be diminishing. The present findings of the BACP research found that 94% of people in the UK consider it acceptable to have therapy for anxiety and depression, a marked jump from 67% back in 2004. There has also been a jump in figures for the acceptability of seeking therapy for divorce and relationship breakdowns.
Cary Cooper, BACP President, comments: "This survey represents a significant shift in people's attitudes towards therapy – practically a revolution – at a time when mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are far more common than was realised. Mental health conditions currently affect one in six of the population at an annual cost to England alone of £77bn. It's no accident that the growth of the problem has encouraged mass support for more effective treatments," said Cooper.
For more stories about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health please visit the News page at www.therapyme.com.
The stigma of talking about problems with a therapist appears to be diminishing. The present findings of the BACP research found that 94% of people in the UK consider it acceptable to have therapy for anxiety and depression, a marked jump from 67% back in 2004. There has also been a jump in figures for the acceptability of seeking therapy for divorce and relationship breakdowns.
Cary Cooper, BACP President, comments: "This survey represents a significant shift in people's attitudes towards therapy – practically a revolution – at a time when mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are far more common than was realised. Mental health conditions currently affect one in six of the population at an annual cost to England alone of £77bn. It's no accident that the growth of the problem has encouraged mass support for more effective treatments," said Cooper.
For more stories about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health please visit the News page at www.therapyme.com.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
News: Post-natal depression clues found - Telegraph
Researchers in Leipzig may have discovered why many new mothers feel down after giving birth, according to a report in the Telegraph (19 June 2010).
Oestrogen levels drop dramatically for women when they give birth, which coincides with the blocking of certain feel-good chemicals in the brain, they found.
The report from the MPI for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences is published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Dr Julia Sacher, who led the research, comments: "Our results have the exciting potential for prevention for severe postpartum blues. This could have an impact on prevention and treatment of postpartum depression in the future."
Please visit TherapyMe.com for more about psychotherapy, counselling and psychiatry as it is reported in the media.
Oestrogen levels drop dramatically for women when they give birth, which coincides with the blocking of certain feel-good chemicals in the brain, they found.
The report from the MPI for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences is published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Dr Julia Sacher, who led the research, comments: "Our results have the exciting potential for prevention for severe postpartum blues. This could have an impact on prevention and treatment of postpartum depression in the future."
Please visit TherapyMe.com for more about psychotherapy, counselling and psychiatry as it is reported in the media.
Sunday, 30 May 2010
News: Younger people 'worry about loneliness' - The Guardian
Young people between the ages of 18-34 are particularly susceptible to worrying about loneliness, according to a report published by the Mental Health Foundation. One in 10 adults in the UK feel lonely, and four in 10 have experienced depression as a result, reports Guardian (25 May 2010).
Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, commented: "Changes to the way we live are putting an increasing number of people at risk of loneliness, which can lead to health problems if chronic. People who find themselves feeling lonely should not have to feel uncomfortable talking about it or asking for help. By raising awareness of the subject we hope to tackle the stigma attached to loneliness and help individuals who are feeling lonely to connect with others."
You can read more stories in the news about mental health, counselling and psychotherapy at TherapyMe.com.
Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, commented: "Changes to the way we live are putting an increasing number of people at risk of loneliness, which can lead to health problems if chronic. People who find themselves feeling lonely should not have to feel uncomfortable talking about it or asking for help. By raising awareness of the subject we hope to tackle the stigma attached to loneliness and help individuals who are feeling lonely to connect with others."
You can read more stories in the news about mental health, counselling and psychotherapy at TherapyMe.com.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
News: 'Green' exercise quickly 'boosts mental health' - BBC News
Feeling blue? Then go green. Researchers from Essex University in the UK say enjoying some exercise in the great outdoors could perk up your mental health according to a report on BBC News (1 May 2010).
The study looked at the evidence of ten studies involving 1,250 people.
Commenting on the findings, Paul Farmer, of UK mental health charity MIND, said: "It's important that people experiencing depression can be given the option of a range of treatments, and we would like to see all doctors considering exercise as a treatment where appropriate."
For more news stories on mental health, visit www.therapyme.com.
The study looked at the evidence of ten studies involving 1,250 people.
Commenting on the findings, Paul Farmer, of UK mental health charity MIND, said: "It's important that people experiencing depression can be given the option of a range of treatments, and we would like to see all doctors considering exercise as a treatment where appropriate."
For more news stories on mental health, visit www.therapyme.com.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
News: Charity pushes for LSD use in medicine - Financial Times
British charity the Beckley Foundation is helping to fund medical trials using LSD, according to reports in the Financial Times (13 February 2010).
Amanda Feilding, from the Beckley Foundation which promotes psychedelic research, said: "We want to open up these incredibly valuable compounds that have been used throughout history. We know LSD is non-toxic and non-addictive. The only way to overcome the taboo is by giving scientific explanations of how to use them beneficially."
LSD has been used in the past in psychotherapy settings in the late 1940s and following the second world war. Bans were introduced following the introduction of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 1971.
For more stories about mental health, counselling and psychotherapy, please visit www.therapyme.com and click on 'In the News'.
Amanda Feilding, from the Beckley Foundation which promotes psychedelic research, said: "We want to open up these incredibly valuable compounds that have been used throughout history. We know LSD is non-toxic and non-addictive. The only way to overcome the taboo is by giving scientific explanations of how to use them beneficially."
LSD has been used in the past in psychotherapy settings in the late 1940s and following the second world war. Bans were introduced following the introduction of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 1971.
For more stories about mental health, counselling and psychotherapy, please visit www.therapyme.com and click on 'In the News'.
News - 'Internet addiction' linked to depression, says study - BBC News
Research published by Leeds University suggests a link between internet addiction and depression, reports BBC News (3 February 2010).
Researcher Dr Catriona Morrison comments: "The internet now plays a huge part in modern life, but its benefits are accompanied by a darker side. While many of us use the internet to pay bills, shop and send e-mails, there is a small subset of the population who find it hard to control how much time they spend online, to the point where it interferes with their daily activities. Our research indicates that excessive internet use is associated with depression, but what we don't know is which comes first - are depressed people drawn to the internet or does the internet cause depression? Now we need to investigate the nature of that relationship and consider the issue of causation."
For more news stories about mental health, counselling and psychotherapy, please visit www.therapyme.com.
Researcher Dr Catriona Morrison comments: "The internet now plays a huge part in modern life, but its benefits are accompanied by a darker side. While many of us use the internet to pay bills, shop and send e-mails, there is a small subset of the population who find it hard to control how much time they spend online, to the point where it interferes with their daily activities. Our research indicates that excessive internet use is associated with depression, but what we don't know is which comes first - are depressed people drawn to the internet or does the internet cause depression? Now we need to investigate the nature of that relationship and consider the issue of causation."
For more news stories about mental health, counselling and psychotherapy, please visit www.therapyme.com.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
News: Jobless to be offered 'talking treatment' to help put Britain back to work - The Guardian
The UK Government will announce plans this week to introduce counselling care of the job centre in an attempt to get people back to work, reports The Guardian (4 December 2009).
With six million adults in the UK suffering from depression and anxiety, the initiative will use therapy (predominantly CBT) to get people off incapacity benefit and back into paid employment.
Those referred to CBT clinics will receive eight sessions. Approximately 40% of long-term sickness benefit are diagnosed with depression.
For more stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health, please visit TherapyMe.com and click on In the News.
With six million adults in the UK suffering from depression and anxiety, the initiative will use therapy (predominantly CBT) to get people off incapacity benefit and back into paid employment.
Those referred to CBT clinics will receive eight sessions. Approximately 40% of long-term sickness benefit are diagnosed with depression.
For more stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health, please visit TherapyMe.com and click on In the News.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
News: Divorcing couples to be offered counselling on the NHS - The Observer
Couples that hit the rocks may be offered free counselling on the NHS the UK Health Secretary Andy Burnham will announce this week reports The Observer (22 November 2009).
Burnham comments: "Trouble at home can lead to depression and anxiety. Sometimes even children can be caught up in the fallout. When couples hit a rocky patch, a bit of help and support can stop it spiralling out of control. Professional support can help people rebuild relationships or separate amicably."
The NHS counselling will be launched in April 2010 as part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme that aims to get people back to work.
For more stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health please visit the news blog on TherapyMe.com.
Burnham comments: "Trouble at home can lead to depression and anxiety. Sometimes even children can be caught up in the fallout. When couples hit a rocky patch, a bit of help and support can stop it spiralling out of control. Professional support can help people rebuild relationships or separate amicably."
The NHS counselling will be launched in April 2010 as part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme that aims to get people back to work.
For more stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health please visit the news blog on TherapyMe.com.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
News: Depression 'can double chances of becoming obese' - Telegraph
People who suffer from anxiety or depression are 33% more likely to become obese according to research published in the British Medical Journal today, reports the Telegraph (7 October 2009). The research was conducted by University College London.
More news about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health at www.therapyme.com.
More news about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health at www.therapyme.com.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
News: Daily sweets 'linked to violence' - BBC News
Can eating sweets make you sour? Research from Cardiff University suggests a link between eating sweets daily as a child and violent crime in later life, as reported by BBC News (30 September 2009).
The UK study examined data of 17,500 people and found that 69% of people who were violent at the age of 34 had eaten confectionery on a daily basis during childhood.
Researcher Dr Simon Moore led the study: "Our favoured explanation is that giving children sweets and chocolate regularly may stop them learning how to wait to obtain something they want.
"Not being able to defer gratification may push them towards more impulsive behaviour, which is strongly associated with delinquency. Targeting resources at improving children's diet may improve health and reduce aggression. We are fairly confident that this is a realistic relationship - the key is explaining what the mechanism is behind this relationship. We think that rewarding bad behaviour in childhood with confectionary can lead to later problems but we need to look at this more closely."
More news about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health at www.therapyme.com.
The UK study examined data of 17,500 people and found that 69% of people who were violent at the age of 34 had eaten confectionery on a daily basis during childhood.
Researcher Dr Simon Moore led the study: "Our favoured explanation is that giving children sweets and chocolate regularly may stop them learning how to wait to obtain something they want.
"Not being able to defer gratification may push them towards more impulsive behaviour, which is strongly associated with delinquency. Targeting resources at improving children's diet may improve health and reduce aggression. We are fairly confident that this is a realistic relationship - the key is explaining what the mechanism is behind this relationship. We think that rewarding bad behaviour in childhood with confectionary can lead to later problems but we need to look at this more closely."
More news about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health at www.therapyme.com.
Saturday, 22 August 2009
News: Depressed people should get online counselling, study says - Telegraph
Patients who received online counselling were more than two-and-a-half times more likely to recover from their mental health problems than those who received 'standard care' from their doctor, according to a study from Bristol University (reports the Telegraph, 21/8/09).
Following a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach, patients received one hour appointments online via instant messaging.
Commenting on the study, Dr David Kessler, a part-time GP and senior primary care researcher at Bristol University, said: "Maybe it is the writing things down that helps so much because you have to think more when you do this. It is like being in a chat room with your therapist. It would greatly improve access to therapists for people who are disabled, housebound or living in remote locations. And you don't have to be some whizzy computer geek to use it. Some of our patients were in their seventies although the average age of people with depression is surprisingly young – around the 30s and 40s mark."
Nearly 300 patients took part in the study.
For more news stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health, please visit TherapyMe.com.
Following a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach, patients received one hour appointments online via instant messaging.
Commenting on the study, Dr David Kessler, a part-time GP and senior primary care researcher at Bristol University, said: "Maybe it is the writing things down that helps so much because you have to think more when you do this. It is like being in a chat room with your therapist. It would greatly improve access to therapists for people who are disabled, housebound or living in remote locations. And you don't have to be some whizzy computer geek to use it. Some of our patients were in their seventies although the average age of people with depression is surprisingly young – around the 30s and 40s mark."
Nearly 300 patients took part in the study.
For more news stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health, please visit TherapyMe.com.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
News: New strategy to bolster mental health care - The Independent
The UK Government is set to announce a policy shake-up that emphasizes the importance of preventing mental health problems, according to this article in The Independent (19 July 2009).
The newspaper quotes Louis Appleby, the Government's 'mental health tszar': "While specialist services for people with schizophrenia, dementia and other mental health problems are, of course, vital, prevention has got to be better than cure. We know there are particular groups such as children [in care] who are particularly vulnerable but this is not just about illness. For the first time we will focus attention on improving everyone's emotional resilience as individuals, families, communities and employers can all benefit from strong mental health. Like good education, good mental health is a stepping stone for a whole range of positive outcomes in adult life which benefit individuals, the welfare system, the health service and the criminal justice system."
For more stories about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health you can visit www.therapyme.com.
The newspaper quotes Louis Appleby, the Government's 'mental health tszar': "While specialist services for people with schizophrenia, dementia and other mental health problems are, of course, vital, prevention has got to be better than cure. We know there are particular groups such as children [in care] who are particularly vulnerable but this is not just about illness. For the first time we will focus attention on improving everyone's emotional resilience as individuals, families, communities and employers can all benefit from strong mental health. Like good education, good mental health is a stepping stone for a whole range of positive outcomes in adult life which benefit individuals, the welfare system, the health service and the criminal justice system."
For more stories about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health you can visit www.therapyme.com.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
News: Self-help 'makes you feel worse' - BBC News
Some self-help books can make you feel worse according to research published by the University of Waterloo and the University of New Brunswick in Canada. Repeating positive statements (or mantras) such as "I am a lovable person" made people with low self-esteem feel even worse about themselves although people with high self-esteem responded well. The study was published in the journal Psychological Science.
This BBC story (3 July 2009) takes a look at the history of the self help industry when Samuel Smiles published his book Self Help 150 years ago. It include a playful feature: Self help Victorian style.
For more news stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health, you can visit TherapyMe.com.
This BBC story (3 July 2009) takes a look at the history of the self help industry when Samuel Smiles published his book Self Help 150 years ago. It include a playful feature: Self help Victorian style.
For more news stories about counselling, psychotherapy and mental health, you can visit TherapyMe.com.
News: Divorcees and widows 'face three times the risk of Alzheimer's' - Telegraph
Research conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that those people who lived alone in middle age doubled the risk of Alzeheimer's, and the risk was even higher for those who were divorced or widowed.
Reporting on the study published in the British Medical Journal, The Telegraph (3 July 2009) quotes Dr Susanne Sorensen of the Alzheimer's Society: "Evidence suggests that remaining socially active may reduce your risk of dementia and living with someone is certainly a good way of doing this.
"Other lifestyle factors associated with living together may also help reduce your risk. However, single people shouldn't worry - there are many other ways to reduce your risk of dementia. The best evidence is around eating a Mediterranean diet, exercising regularly, and getting your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly."
You can read more stories related to counselling, psychotherapy and mental health at TherapyMe.com.
Reporting on the study published in the British Medical Journal, The Telegraph (3 July 2009) quotes Dr Susanne Sorensen of the Alzheimer's Society: "Evidence suggests that remaining socially active may reduce your risk of dementia and living with someone is certainly a good way of doing this.
"Other lifestyle factors associated with living together may also help reduce your risk. However, single people shouldn't worry - there are many other ways to reduce your risk of dementia. The best evidence is around eating a Mediterranean diet, exercising regularly, and getting your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly."
You can read more stories related to counselling, psychotherapy and mental health at TherapyMe.com.
Monday, 22 June 2009
News: Prozac use up 25 per cent in recession depression - The Mirror
Prescriptions in the UK for Prozac and other antidepressants have increased by nearly 25% in the last five years.
Last year, doctors wrote 2.1 million more prescriptions for antidepressants in the wake of the credit crunch.
Philip Hodson, from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, is quoted in this piece in The Mirror (22 June 2009): "Depression can be caused by unacceptable change happening at an unacceptable rate. For some, too much change can be paralysing. Pills have a role, but play better with some people than others."
Victoria Walsh, from mental health charity Rethink, adds: "We are seeing people who have been high fliers and now find life without their jobs overwhelming."
The Guardian also covers this story.
www.therapyme.com
Last year, doctors wrote 2.1 million more prescriptions for antidepressants in the wake of the credit crunch.
Philip Hodson, from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, is quoted in this piece in The Mirror (22 June 2009): "Depression can be caused by unacceptable change happening at an unacceptable rate. For some, too much change can be paralysing. Pills have a role, but play better with some people than others."
Victoria Walsh, from mental health charity Rethink, adds: "We are seeing people who have been high fliers and now find life without their jobs overwhelming."
The Guardian also covers this story.
www.therapyme.com
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