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14/05/2007
Antidepressant use rises to record level
Antidepressant use has reached record levels in England with doctors writing 6% more prescriptions than in the previous year.
Around 31 million prescriptions for antidepressant drugs were handed out despite guidance indicating alternative therapies.
One charity group, Mind, has advocated a new "green agenda" for mental health suggesting that a walk in the countryside could help dispel depressive feelings.
According to recent research: 71% reported depression decreased after a green walk, whereas 22% reported that depression increased after an urban walk.
Mind called for "ecotherapy" to be recognised as a clinically-valid frontline treatment for mental health problems.
Ecotherapy involves getting outdoors and getting active in a green environment as a way of boosting mental wellbeing. Whether it's taking regular walks in the park, flying a kite or participating in a gardening therapy project, green exercise is proven to have huge benefits for mental health.
Mind Chief Executive Paul Farmer said: "Mind sees ecotherapy as an important part of the future for mental health. It's a credible, clinically-valid treatment option and needs to be prescribed by GPs, especially when for many people access to treatments other than antidepressants is extremely limited. We're not saying that ecotherapy can replace drugs but that the debate needs to be broadened.
"Hundreds of people have benefited from the green projects run by our local Mind associations but if prescribing ecotherapy was part of mainstream practice it could potentially help the millions of people across the country who are affected by mental distress."
The prescription of care farms as a treatment for mental distress has been highly successful on the continent but the UK is lagging far behind Europe – there are only 43 care farms in the UK, none of which are directed at mental health, compared to 600 in the Netherlands and 400 in Norway.
(SP/JM)
Around 31 million prescriptions for antidepressant drugs were handed out despite guidance indicating alternative therapies.
One charity group, Mind, has advocated a new "green agenda" for mental health suggesting that a walk in the countryside could help dispel depressive feelings.
According to recent research: 71% reported depression decreased after a green walk, whereas 22% reported that depression increased after an urban walk.
Mind called for "ecotherapy" to be recognised as a clinically-valid frontline treatment for mental health problems.
Ecotherapy involves getting outdoors and getting active in a green environment as a way of boosting mental wellbeing. Whether it's taking regular walks in the park, flying a kite or participating in a gardening therapy project, green exercise is proven to have huge benefits for mental health.
Mind Chief Executive Paul Farmer said: "Mind sees ecotherapy as an important part of the future for mental health. It's a credible, clinically-valid treatment option and needs to be prescribed by GPs, especially when for many people access to treatments other than antidepressants is extremely limited. We're not saying that ecotherapy can replace drugs but that the debate needs to be broadened.
"Hundreds of people have benefited from the green projects run by our local Mind associations but if prescribing ecotherapy was part of mainstream practice it could potentially help the millions of people across the country who are affected by mental distress."
The prescription of care farms as a treatment for mental distress has been highly successful on the continent but the UK is lagging far behind Europe – there are only 43 care farms in the UK, none of which are directed at mental health, compared to 600 in the Netherlands and 400 in Norway.
(SP/JM)
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10 September 2008
Twice As Many Mentally Ill People End Up In Police Custody
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Twice As Many Mentally Ill People End Up In Police Custody
Twice as many people are detained in unsuitable police custody for assessment under the Mental Health Act as those taken by the police to hospital for this purpose, according to research published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today.
04 June 2007
Report reveals scale of mental ill health at work
A report has revealed that mental ill health is the second largest cause of time lost due to sickness absence in UK organizations. According to the report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, stress, depression, and anxiety account for over 50% of these mental health problems.
Report reveals scale of mental ill health at work
A report has revealed that mental ill health is the second largest cause of time lost due to sickness absence in UK organizations. According to the report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, stress, depression, and anxiety account for over 50% of these mental health problems.
31 July 2015
Funding Secured For Police And University Collaboration On Mental Health
Funding of £1m has been secured for a collaboration between North Yorkshire Police and the University of York in an effort to develop new approaches for dealing with mental health issues.
Funding Secured For Police And University Collaboration On Mental Health
Funding of £1m has been secured for a collaboration between North Yorkshire Police and the University of York in an effort to develop new approaches for dealing with mental health issues.
26 August 2015
Staffing At Weston Hospital 'Serious Concern'
A report on an inspection carried out at Weston General Hospital has found that staff shortages pose a "risk to patients' safety" and caused "serious concerns". The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report rated care at the hospital as "Good" but found that safety was "inadequate".
Staffing At Weston Hospital 'Serious Concern'
A report on an inspection carried out at Weston General Hospital has found that staff shortages pose a "risk to patients' safety" and caused "serious concerns". The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report rated care at the hospital as "Good" but found that safety was "inadequate".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
