How Mental Health Statistics (UK) Highlight The Importance Of Mental Health Services

Mental health is an increasingly widely discussed subject globally, with experts continuing to uncover the many links between our psychological well-being and overall quality of life. Rates of mental illness have been steadily increasing in many areas of the world, including the United Kingdom. An understanding of the prevalence of mental health disorders and their potential effects can be crucial to promoting emotional well-being among citizens of the UK. In this article, we’re discussing the impact of psychological challenges, providing statistics on mental health disorders in the UK, and discussing how Britons can seek care for these concerns. 

Your emotional well-being is important

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An overview of mental health and well-being

Mental health, according to the APA, is “a state of mind characterized by emotional well-being, good behavioral adjustment, relative freedom from anxiety and disabling symptoms, and a capacity to establish constructive relationships and cope with the ordinary demands and stresses of life”. Mental health can encompass not only an individual’s emotional state, but also their cognitive, spiritual, and social well-being. 

Psychological well-being influences numerous aspects of our lives, potentially affecting our careers, relationships, physical health, economic stability, and ability to function. Poor mental health, often precipitated by mental illness, can be extremely disruptive. Mental health conditions can make it harder to focus, learn, interact, practice self-care, work, and enjoy life. Additionally, psychiatric disorders are often connected to physical health concerns. A mental health difficulty may contribute to sleep disruptions, gastrointestinal distress, muscle tension, or headaches. 

Common mental health disorders: Anxiety, depression, and beyond

While disturbances in our emotional well-being are common, they can also be evidence of a more significant concern. There are several different mental disorders listed in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 or the ICD-11. These disorders can produce varying symptoms and, in some cases, co-occur. The following are common forms of mental illness, though the list is not exhaustive. In addition to the below mental health conditions, psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, behavioral disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and bipolar disorder can all lead to serious psychological challenges in an individual’s life. 

Anxiety disorders

While fear and nervousness are normal feelings, severe and persistent anxiety can signal the existence of a disorder. Anxiety disorders are serious mental health conditions marked by elevated levels of worry and fear that significantly impact an individual’s emotional state and ability to function. There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. 

Depressive disorders

We often experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, or fatigue; but severe depressive symptoms may be signs of a depressive disorder. Depression is characterized by low mood, tiredness, lack of interest, and reduced energy levels. Common depressive disorders include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.

Trauma-related disorders

Stressful experiences often evoke strong emotional responses; and when those reactions are extreme, they can lead to serious complications. Witnessing or undergoing traumatic events—such as violent situations, natural disasters, or the death of a loved one—can lead to trauma-related disorders. These conditions are often marked by symptoms of anxiety, as well as re-experiencing symptoms, avoidance, mood disturbances, and hypervigilance. Common trauma-related disorders are post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorders, and acute stress disorder. 

If you believe you’re living with a mental health disorder, consider consulting with a healthcare provider. A medical or mental health professional can provide you with screenings and determine whether further testing, a diagnosis, and treatment are necessary. 

Mental health statistics (UK)

Mental health statistics can help us understand the overall prevalence of psychiatric disorders, the rate at which such conditions are growing, and which groups are more likely to experience mental illnesses. The following are useful data points for understanding the state of mental health in the United Kingdom. 

Overall mental health statistics: UK data on psychiatric disorders

An estimated 25% of the population of the United Kingdom experience a mental health concern each year. Studies show that the prevalence of mental ill-health is rising in the UK. As stated by Mind, “The amount of people with common mental health problems went up by 20% between 1993 to 2014, in both men and women”. According to estimates, mental health concerns cost the UK economy £118 billion each year. 

Statistics by disorder

The prevalence of specific mental health conditions can vary widely. Research shows that approximately 34% of adults in the UK experience heightened anxiety; while around 16% of adults live with moderate to severe depression. Studies also show that over 2.5 million people in the UK have post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Age and mental illness

Children and adolescents are thought to be the most vulnerable to mental health challenges. In 2023, experts estimated that 20% of young people aged eight to 16 experienced a probable mental disorder in the UK, an increase of eight percentage points from the 12% number reported in 2017. In 2023, it was reported that rates of self-harm among young people increased 22% in one year. 

Mental health and well-being among racial and ethnic minorities

Racism, discrimination, and obstacles to treatment can contribute to mental health challenges among minority groups in the UK. For example, UK-based mental health research suggests that individuals from Black communities experience higher rates of mental health disorders (23% in a given week) than people from other groups, but are less likely to receive care. Individuals from ethnic minority groups are also more likely to disengage from care and experience negative treatment outcomes. 

Gender and mental health disorders

Mental health concerns can impact women and gender minorities in unique ways due to traditional power structures, discrimination, and barriers to care. According to the Priory Group, “Women are more likely than men to experience common mental health problems, with 20.7% of women and 13.2% of men affected”. This number is greater in certain age groups; for instance, 26% of young women aged 16-24 are thought to experience a mental illness in a given week. 

Further, individuals who are members of the transgender community may be subject to discrimination, stigma, and other challenges that increase the risks of mental illness. For example, in a study conducted by the University of Manchester, 47.2% of nonbinary individuals reported that they experienced a mental health condition, a rate far higher than that of the general population. 

Exploring the mental health gap in the UK

According to the UK House of Commons, from 2022 to 2023, approximately 3.58 million people were “in contact with NHS-funded secondary mental health, learning disability and autism services”. But this is significantly lower than the number of people who live with mental health challenges, which would be well over 10 million individuals, assuming the above estimates are correct. (It’s important to note, however, that people seek care through services other than the NHS.)

Discrepancies in care can be greater among certain groups, such as younger or older individuals. It is estimated that 35% of people aged 18-25 in the UK do not pursue treatment. And, according to the NHS, older individuals are 20% as likely to utilize therapy services as people in other age groups. In addition to challenges related to mental health, issues connected to physical health can prevent older individuals from seeking care. 

There is evidence, however, that seeking treatment can lead to beneficial outcomes. One study found that, following psychotherapy, just under 50% of individuals with a common mental disorder no longer met the criteria for the condition. 

How to seek care in the UK

As illustrated above, the availability of mental health services is of paramount importance in the United Kingdom. If you’re seeking treatment in the UK, there are several options you might consider. 

National Health Service

The NHS provides a range of services—many of which are free—including psychological evaluations, medication management, and therapy. You can learn more about these services through the NHS talking therapies site.  

Referrals

If you have a general practitioner, consider asking them for a referral. They may know of therapists who specialize in treating your specific symptoms. You may also ask friends, family members, or other individuals if they know of professionals in your area. 

Crisis help lines

If you’d like to connect with someone right away, you may be able to talk to a mental health professional through a help line, like the NHS’s 111 line. Other help lines include the Samaritans, the Mind support line, and the Shout Crisis Text Line. 

How online therapy can help

If you’re interested in pursuing mental health care, online therapy can be a convenient and cost-effective way of connecting with a professional. 

The benefits of online mental health services

With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a therapist based on your needs and preferences, which can increase your chances of working with a professional who can address your specific concerns. Online therapy is also an affordable option—with subscriptions as low as £45, billed every 4 weeks. BetterHelp subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.

Your emotional well-being is important

Nurture it with online therapy

The efficacy of online therapy

The results of a growing number of studies suggest that online therapy is an effective form of treatment for a wide array of mental health conditions. In one broad-based review of studies, researchers concluded that online therapy is “effective in the treatment and management of various psychiatric disorders such as depression, GAD and social anxiety, panic disorders, phobias, addiction and substance use disorders, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and OCD”. The study also mentions that online therapy is a cost-effective and easy-to-utilize form of care.