Some Young People With Depression And Mental Health Issues Aren't Getting Any Help, Says Major Health Expert | HuffPost Life

Some Young People Aren't Getting Any Help With Depression, Says Major Health Expert

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Some children with depression and other mental health problems are getting no treatment at all, the president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists has warned.

Professor Simon Wessely said that some youngsters with mental health issues get "literally no" treatment.

Meanwhile seven in 10 people with common mental illnesses get no treatment, he said in his first interview since taking up the post in June.

Prof Wessely told the Guardian that the nation would not tolerate it if these figures related to cancer care.

He said that in some areas patients are routinely waiting for up to two years for care.

He told the newspaper: "I'm giving a talk soon. I'm thinking of starting it: 'So, we have a problem in cancer service at the moment. Only 30% of people with cancer are getting treatment, so 70% of them don't get any treatment for their cancer at all and it's not even recognised.' And there will be a pause and I will say, 'OK - I'm not talking about cancer, but if I was, you'd be absolutely appalled and you would be screaming from the rooftops'.

"People are still routinely waiting for - well, we don't really know, but certainly more than 18 weeks, possibly up to two years, for their treatment and that is routine in some parts of the country.

"Some children aren't getting any treatment at all - literally none. That's what's happening."

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He said a larger proportion of people with severe mental illness have access to treatment but the figure still only stands at around 65%, he said.

Prof Wessely said that although the NHS has an aspiration to deliver parity of esteem between physical and mental health services "the gap is now so big and yet there is no more money".

He added: "If people really want true parity in the sense of actual 90% of mental health patients are treated within 18 weeks, just like they are for other disorders, that is going to have to mean money will have to move from acute to mental health. Genuine money.

"As there is no more money, that would mean significant losses in other sectors."

Story continues below the slideshow:

17 Facts About Depression

It's Not Just About Being Sad (01 of17)

There’s more to depression than just feeling sad all the time, says Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and president of Global Medical Education. Symptoms of depression can include psychomotor (cognitive functions and physical movement) activity changes, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, decreased energy, trouble concentrating, appetite changes, while others may also have suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Who Has It?(02 of17)

One in six people will develop major depression in their lifetime, Masand says. "Major depression affects 121 million people worldwide. Two out of three individuals with depression do not receive adequate treatment."

The Issue Of Suicide (03 of17)

Depressed individuals are five times more likely to commit suicide, Masand says. In Canada, a 2009 report from Statistics Canada found depression was the most common illness among those who committed suicide, with approximately 60 per cent suffering from this condition. That year, there were 3,890 suicides in Canada,

It Doesn't Mean You Can't Live Your Life(04 of17)

Being diagnosed with depression doesn't have to stop you from living your day-to-day life or seeking professional help. Most people would never guess celebrities like Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel and J.K. Rowling all battled depression.

It Can Be Expensive (05 of17)

In Canada, one 2012 report found depressed workers who take a leave of absence or schedule in doctor or therapy appointments during work hours, can cost an employer up to $18,000.

New Moms Can Get Hit (06 of17)

Masand says one in 10 new mothers will develop postpartum depression. "This is by no means a character flaw or weakness. Symptoms of depression or the 'baby blues' can occur in many women." Mothers who feel like they do have symptoms should seek treatment and not put it off.

Women Are More Likely To Be Depressed (07 of17)

Masand says women are twice as likely to develop depression as men, and although depression can strike at any age, the average age of onset is 32.

You're More Likely To Have A Heart Attack(08 of17)

Patients with depression are also more likely to have heart attacks and strokes compared to non-depressed individuals, Masand adds. Researchers note some symptoms of depression can reduce your overall physical and mental health, which increases your risk of heart disease or make symptoms of heart disease worse.

It's Not Just Adults (09 of17)

One out of 10 adolescents will have depressive disorder by the time they're 18, Masand says. "Compared to adults, children with depression may be more likely to present temper tantrums, somatic complaints, social withdrawal and mood liability."

It Doesn't Always "Go Away" (10 of17)

If you are seeking treatment or taking antidepressants, Masand adds it's not as simple as being symptom-free in a few weeks. "Medications take time to work, and a 10 to 12 week trial is necessary to achieve remission," he says. He also adds cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are good options to moderate depression.

Depression And Bipolar Disorder Are Not The Same (11 of17)

Sometimes, people are misdiagnosed or use the two conditions interchangeably. Masand says healthcare professionals should also ask about the history of a patient's experience with hypomania and mania — both of which are linked to being bipolar.

Sometimes Being SAD Is More Than Just SAD (12 of17)

Many patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is winter depression, have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, Masand says. Again, this can be tracked by looking at the patient's medical history, and experience with hypomania and mood levels. Often, professionals (and patients) wait around for the weather to get better to feel better.

Exercise And Yoga Can Help(13 of17)

Masand says studies have shown exercise and yoga can be very helpful with patients with depression. "When you exercise, you release endorphins, a chemical in the brain that brings about a positive feeling over the body." The benefits of exercising in general include longer and deeper sleep, improved self-esteem and confidence, reduced stress and alleviated depression and anxiety.

How Is It Diagnosed? (14 of17)

There are no laboratory tests or brain scans that can diagnose depression, Masand says. Instead, doctors talk to patients about family history, look for depression symptoms and at the same time, rule out other conditions to narrow down depression.

Hidden Causes (15 of17)

Masand says many medications like steroids or isotretinoin have been linked to causing depression. If you recently started taking a new medication and are feeling the symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects.

The Link Between Antidepressants And Suicidal Thoughts (16 of17)

Antidepressants don’t usually increase suicidal thoughts and suicidal tendencies, Masand says, but some studies have shown a correlation with an increased risk in some patients. In particular, children, teens and those under 24 tend to have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts. In this case, anyone under 24 should be monitored extra carefully for any suicidal behaviour.

Resiliency Can Be A Good Thing (17 of17)

People with the resiliency trait are less likely to develop depression. "The reason for this isn’t totally understood, but resilient people typically have a stronger belief in themselves, don’t let adversity bring them down and are more confident," Masand says. He adds these types of behaviours are also taught in therapy.

The news comes after the death of actor Robin Williams who was found hanged in his bedroom at his California home earlier this week.

The Mrs Doubtfire star was discovered by his personal assistant on Monday morning after he failed to answer his door.

Williams, 63, had grappled with severe depression. He had also battled addiction for decades and checked himself back into rehab last month.

But his representative said at the time that he had not fallen off the wagon and was ensuring that he focused on his commitment to stay sober.

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