The Welsh mental health organization, Mind Cymru has called for urgent action to address the root causes of poor mental health. The initiative was triggered by a staggering increase in the number of anti-depressant prescriptions across Wales. In 2022-23, more than seven million prescriptions were given as compared to 2.1 million back in 2002-03. Seven million is currently the highest number of anti-depressant prescriptions ever recorded in Wales.
Chloe Hayden, 22, from Cardiff, attributes her recovery to anti-depressants, stating they were the “best thing she had ever done” for herself. Chloe started having multiple panic attacks daily following a severe car crash, nearly four years ago. Despite both herself and her partner, Sam, recovering from the car crash’s physical injuries, Chloe battled the adverse effects on her mental health.
Chloe’s mental health struggles led to her receiving therapy and being prescribed anti-depressants. She has not had any panic attacks in nearly four years or since her intake of the anti-depressants. In her therapy sessions, Chloe has written a children’s book about mental health while studying counseling and therapeutic studies in university. She has also competed in international pageants, winning the title of Miss Voluptuous Wales.
Dr. Phil White, deputy chairman of the British Medical Association’s Welsh council, has seen an increase in the number of patients with mental health concerns. He stated at least 30% of a doctor’s workload deals with mental health. Dr. White suggested that the pressures of work, the cost of living, and the Covid pandemic have significantly contributed to the rise in patients needing mental health support.
Mind Cymru expressed positivity that people are coming forward to seek help, but they need timely access to the right support. They also called for more comprehensive data to get a clear picture of mental health services across Wales. The Welsh government has committed to improving access to mental health services and will provide 24/7 urgent mental health support via a 111 press 2 service. They will also be launching a long-term approach to mental health and wellbeing, focusing on prevention and earlier intervention, to reduce reliance on specialist services
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