There has been a positive step change in the awareness of mental health and its impact on our overall health in recent years. And not before time.
- Nearly half (43.4%) of adults think they have had a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life.
- Mixed anxiety and depression is the most common mental health disorder in the UK and leads to one-fifth of days lost in the workplace.
- Mental health is the largest single cause of disability and costs an estimated £105 billion per year to the economy; that's roughly the cost of the entire NHS.
Without a doubt, the awareness of mental health disorders and their impact on our lives is growing, but so is the scale of the problem. The statistics above are evidence that taking care of our own mental health, and that of our children, is critical to living positive and fulfilling lives. Perhaps, when that becomes difficult or even feels impossible, that gives us the only reason we need to seek some support and professional help?
- Mental Health Foundation
- National Insitute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- NHS England