While the UK’s mental health system has gained media attention and funding in recent years, long waiting lists, prejudices against the sector, and the diminishing mental health of the UK population make it clear that it is not fit for purpose.

Waiting lists - Waiting lists for NHS mental health care are incredibly long, meaning that even children are not referred to the appropriate services until they feel suicidal. Mental illness can escalate rapidly if not addressed, which makes waiting lists dangerous. Adults are also impacted, with 80% claiming their mental health worsened whilst on the waiting list, with the cost-of-living crisis being a major contributing factor.

Prejudices toward mental health - Although the UK’s mental health system has been increasingly funded over recent years, there is still a stark contrast in attitudes towards mental health compared to physical health. The NHS budget for mental health is only 9% of its total, even though 25% of us will suffer with our mental health each year. Furthermore, the Mental Health Act does not view mental and physical health equally. For the overall quality of life to improve, fundamental prejudices towards treating mental illness must reform. 

 If the UK’s mental health system were fit for purpose, the current suggested crisis could have been avoided.

A real crisis - The mental health of the UK’s population is frighteningly low, ranking 20th/27 within Europe. 4/10 British people have had depression, and over 25% have experienced a panic attack. These statistics suggest that people cannot access the support they need at the earlier stages of a mental health issue. If the UK’s mental health system were fit for purpose, the current suggested crisis could have been avoided.

Although there are clear issues within the UK’s mental health system, not all is lost, significant efforts have been made to reform this system of care within the NHS.

Workforce - There have been efforts in recent years to recruit more healthcare professionals into the mental health sector. The children’s mental health workforce has expanded from 88 per 100,000 population to 121 between 2019 and 2023. Furthermore, the Labour government has promised to recruit 8500 new mental health staff during their first term. This will take pressure off the system, allowing it to perform better and combat waiting lists.

Funding- The previous Tory government invested £150 million to support people experiencing mental health crises. This funding was provided to procure up to 100 new mental health ambulances and specialist staff to deliver support on the scene. This investment will supposedly establish 150 new projects, such as crisis cafes, safe spaces, along with new mental health facilities, which provide more opportunities for people to receive the help they need.

Increased attention toward the issue from the government will reduce mental health taboos and merge mental and physical health as equally important factors for overall well-being.

Breaking down stigmas- The Labour government prioritised mental health in their manifesto and election campaign. He has spoken out about the “mental health epidemic” that is affecting the country, promising to modernise the Mental Health Act and provide specialist mental health professionals in every school. Increased attention toward the issue from the government will reduce taboos and merge mental and physical health as equally important factors for overall well-being. This will give people the help they need and deserve.