Growing concerns over England's mental health as the latest NHS data indicates a deteriorating state, calls for government intervention intensify
The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS), a nationwide survey that monitors mental illness and treatment across England, has revealed a significant and concerning trend - the rise in common mental health conditions.
## Causes
Several factors contribute to this increase. Societal and economic pressures, such as economic uncertainty, housing insecurity, and social inequality, are widely believed to be drivers of poor mental health. Major events, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have exacerbated existing mental health challenges, leading to increased stress, loneliness, and disruption in daily life.
Demographic shifts also play a role. The rise is particularly pronounced among young adults aged 16–24, where rates have increased by nearly 47% since 2014. The link between physical health conditions that limit activities and mental health disorders is also strong.
While some suggest over-reporting, evidence points more to improved awareness and reduced stigma, leading to more accurate detection and self-reporting rather than diagnostic inflation.
## Effects
The increasing rates of common mental health conditions have significant consequences. Higher prevalence, the severity of symptoms, and the number of suicidal thoughts and attempts are all on the rise. While there has been an increase in the proportion of people receiving treatment, less than half of those with symptoms are receiving help.
## Government Response
The government and public sector have responded in several ways. There has been a noted rise in the number of people accessing treatment, due in part to expanded NHS mental health services and talking therapies. Public awareness campaigns have contributed to higher reporting rates by reducing stigma and encouraging seeking help.
However, concerns have been raised about the government's response being muted, with underfunding and lack of urgency in addressing mental health as a public health crisis. Continued robust data collection through the APMS ensures that trends are monitored, and policy responses can be evidence-based.
## Conclusion
The increase in common mental health conditions in England is a complex issue driven by a range of social, economic, and health-related factors. While treatment access has improved, the overall demand and severity of cases continue to rise, highlighting the need for a more robust and urgent public health response.
Living in one of the five most deprived areas in England increases the likelihood of having a common mental health condition. The APMS uses high-quality screening and assessment tools, which demonstrate levels of distress widely accepted by clinicians to indicate genuine illness.
The number of adults with a common mental health condition has increased by 20% compared to 2014. The latest wave of results from the APMS shows that more people than ever are struggling with their mental health. The UK government has an opportunity to create conditions for everyone to experience good mental health across the country.
- The societal and economic pressures, such as economic uncertainty, housing insecurity, and social inequality, are contributing factors to the increase in common mental health conditions.
- Improved awareness and reduced stigma around mental health issues have led to more accurate detection and self-reporting of mental illness, contrary to suggestions of over-reporting.
- The rising rates of common mental health conditions have led to increased prevalence, severity of symptoms, and the number of suicidal thoughts and attempts, despite an increase in the proportion of people receiving treatment.
- The government and public sector have responded by expanding NHS mental health services and talking therapies, while public awareness campaigns have reduced stigma and encouraged help-seeking, but concerns remain about underfunding and lack of urgency in addressing mental health as a public health crisis.
- Living in a deprived area increases the likelihood of having a common mental health condition, and the APMS's high-quality screening and assessment tools demonstrate levels of distress that are widely accepted by clinicians to indicate genuine illness.
