A recent research study undertaken by Platform 51 has identified that mental health problems are affecting almost two thirds of girls and women in England and Wales. This is an alarming statistic, given how mental health issues prevent many from working or raising children and can have a drastic impact upon the whole family.
What is Platform 51?
Originally known as The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and founded in 1855, Platform 51 works to help both girls and women of any age or background in England and Wales. The charity works face to face with service users, providing courses, group activities and counselling. This essential support system enables girls and women to understand their current situation and begin to move forward. Most importantly, Platform 51 offer non-judgemental, holistic support in a safe environment within fifteen centres throughout England and Wales.
Women Like Me: Report on Mental Health
According to Platform 51's report entitled 'Women Like Me: Supporting Wellbeing in Girls and Women,' mental health is a significant issue for 15.2 million girls and women, making it clear that the current health system is not working. When one considers how depression is the second most costly disease in terms of economic burden to society (second only to cancer), it is not difficult to see just how important mental health is for society as a whole.
Further key findings of the Women Like Me report, include the following:
- 29% of those polled had suffered emotional or physical abuse
- Almost one in four admitted feeling suicidal
- 44% required time off work due to mental health problems
- one in three had taken antidepressants
- 63% felt doctors tended to rely too heavily on medication
- one in three women get no professional help whatsoever
- some had to wait years for counselling
- 82% felt access to women only services was important
Recommendations for Improving Mental Health Care
The fact that while some women were waiting years to receive counselling, one in three had taken antidepressants is simply unacceptable. Antidepressants alone do not heal depression, they merely mask the problem. Key recommendations arising from the Women Like Me report include as follows:
- increased funding for interventions to tackle causes/consequences of mental health problems
- equality impact assessment of health and wellbeing policies, proposals and services
- review of antidepressants/prescription drugs for mild to moderate mental health issues
- establish service providing information, guidance and advice helping women make choices
- training on female mental health/wellbeing for GPs, health visitors, midwives etc...
- ensure proposed increase in access to therapy includes women only settings
- provide alternative access routes to mental health care not requiring GP referral
As highlighted above, the Platform 51 report has shown a desperate need for more effective, women only services. The mental health and wellbeing of girls and women is something that has been neglected for far too long, resulting in precious lives being wasted. One thing is crystal clear, It is time for mental heal to no longer be treated as the 'Cinderella' of health services.
Sources:
O'Connor, R. (2010) London: Souvenir Press
Platform 51 Website
Platform 51 Women Like Me: Supporting Wellbeing in Girls and Women
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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