Mental health affects us all—whether we talk about it or not. With more people seeking support than ever, understanding how mental health is impacting the UK needs to be addressed.
Despite more recognition surrounding mental health in the UK, including awareness days, and being more open for discussing it in the workplace, many people are still suffering in silence. Those that study online counselling courses, for example, will undoubtedly be aware of this. In this article, we will explore mental health in the UK using the latest statistics and research. You’ll find out how common mental health problems are, which groups are most affected, and what actions can support better wellbeing.
- Learn key mental health statistics in the UK.
- Understand common mental health problems and who they affect.
- Discover how loneliness, money, and work impact wellbeing.
- Explore steps you can take to protect your mental health.
- What Is Mental Health?
- Mental Health in the UK: Who Is Affected?
- How Common Are Specific Problems?
- Mental Health Statistics: Health, Treatment, and Economic Impact
- Suicide Statistics in the UK
- 10 Simple Steps To Improve Your Mental Health
- 1. Express Your Feelings Openly
- 2. Stay Active
- 3. Eat Healthy
- 4. Drink Sensibly
- 5. Stay in Touch with Others
- 6. Ask for Professional Help
- 7. Take Regular Breaks
- 8. Do Something You’re Good At
- 9. Self Acceptance
- 10. Care for Others
- Help Yourself and Others With Mental Health
- FAQs
- Sources
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It influences how we think, feel, and act — and how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health doesn’t mean being happy all the time. It means having the tools to cope with daily life, recover from setbacks, and function in a way that works for you.
Just like physical health, mental health exists on a spectrum. And just like with physical health, anyone can face difficulties at different points in life.
Mental Health in the UK: Who Is Affected?
Mental health in the UK continues to be a growing concern. Recent mental health statistics show that 1 in 4 adults experiences a mental health condition in any given year. These issues often begin early — with 50% of mental health problems starting by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
Some groups are more likely to be affected than others. Those in the poorest fifth of the population are twice as likely to develop mental health issues compared to those with average income levels. Mental health problems are also the leading cause of disability in the UK.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) received 1.82 million mental health referrals in 2023/24 — more than double what was reported a decade ago. Depression remains one of the most widespread conditions, with over 4.5 million adults diagnosed in 2017/18. Severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, affects around 0.9% of the population, with hospital admissions for related conditions still rising.
How Common Are Specific Problems?
Here are some of the latest mental health statistics UK-wide:
- Depression: 1 in 6 people
- Generalised anxiety disorder: 1 in 25
- Mixed anxiety and depression: 7.8 in 100
- Phobias: 10 million people affected
- OCD and panic disorder: 2 in 100
- PTSD: 4 in 100
- Bipolar disorder: 2 in 100
- Psychotic disorders: 0.7% of adults
- Antisocial personality disorder: 3.3 in 100
- Borderline personality disorder: 2 in 100
Explore our courses on mental health so that you too can support others and improve human development and social impact.
Mental Health Statistics: Health, Treatment, and Economic Impact
Mental health in the UK affects not just our emotional wellbeing but also our physical health and quality of life. Social isolation, such as living alone, has been linked to a higher risk of developing common mental health problems. Loneliness can increase the risk of early death by up to 30%, and people with severe conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may live 15 to 20 years less than the general population.
Those with severe mental illness are far more likely to experience long-term physical health issues. For example:
- Adults aged 15 to 74 with serious mental health problems are 1.8 times more likely to have three or more physical health conditions.
- For younger adults (aged 15 to 34), that risk rises to 5.1 times more likely.
Schizophrenia is linked to twice the risk of heart disease death and three times the risk of death from respiratory illness.
Despite the scale of the issue, only 1 in 3 adults with common mental health problems receive any form of treatment. However, support is growing. In 2023/24, the NHS planned to spend £16.8 billion on mental health care across England.
Suicide Statistics in the UK
Suicide remains one of the most serious public health challenges. Men, on average, are at least three times more likely to commit suicide than women, and it is the leading cause of death in men under 50 and women under 35. In 2020 alone, 6,248 lives were lost to suicide across the UK.
More than a quarter of these deaths involved people already in contact with mental health services, showing the need for earlier, sustained support.
10 Simple Steps To Improve Your Mental Health
Mental health in the UK affects people of all ages and backgrounds. While some groups are more at risk, no one is immune from facing these challenges. These mental health statistics have shown that early support, education, and everyday habits can make a real difference. Just like with physical health, taking care of your mind should be part of daily life.
Here are ten simple steps that can help support your wellbeing, based on research and lived experience.
1. Express Your Feelings Openly
Speaking openly about how you feel helps take the pressure off. It can also strengthen relationships with others. Sharing what’s on your mind doesn’t mean something is wrong—it’s a healthy way to stay connected.
2. Stay Active
Exercise supports both body and mind. You don’t have to run marathons—brisk walks, gardening, or even housework can lift your mood and help manage anxiety.
3. Eat Healthy
As the phrase goes, you are what you eat. On average, you should look to consume a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats that supports brain health. Reducing sugar and caffeine can also help stabilise your mood.
4. Drink Sensibly
Alcohol can make you feel better temporarily, but it often worsens mental health symptoms. Staying within safe limits can protect your long-term wellbeing.
5. Stay in Touch with Others
Strong social connections help protect against loneliness—a key concern when looking into these UK mental health statistics. Even a quick phone call or message can make a big difference.
6. Ask for Professional Help
If things feel too much, reach out. GPs, counsellors, or online mental health courses can help you understand what’s going on and find support.
7. Take Regular Breaks
Whether it’s a short walk or a weekend off, stepping back from stress gives your mind time to reset. Rest is not a luxury—it’s part of staying well.
8. Do Something You’re Good At
What are hobbies? Hobbies give you purpose and something to look forward to. Doing something you enjoy helps reduce stress and boosts confidence.
9. Self Acceptance
Comparing yourself to others can harm your self-esteem. Focus on what you do well and take small steps toward any changes you want to make. Discover strategies for overcoming low self-esteem.
10. Care for Others
Helping someone else can give you a sense of value and connection. Volunteering or simply supporting a friend can benefit your own mental health too. Learn about volunteer skills.
Want to push your career in a different direction? Why not study online and discover our health and social care online courses.
Help Yourself and Others With Mental Health
In conclusion, these recently discovered mental health facts demonstrate that mental health in the UK is continuing to affect millions of people year on year, with these facts showing how widespread and varied the challenges can be. From anxiety and depression to severe conditions like bipolar disorder, the impact is real—but so are the steps we can take to support ourselves and others. By staying informed, talking openly, and building healthy habits, we can all play a part in improving mental wellbeing across communities and in our own daily lives.
FAQs
What is the difference between mental health and mental illness?
Mental health refers to your overall emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Mental illness describes specific diagnosable conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, or schizophrenia. You can have poor mental health without having a diagnosed illness, and vice versa.
How does financial stress affect mental health?
Money problems can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. People facing debt, job insecurity, or the rising cost of living often experience increased mental distress. Support is available through charities, mental health services, and online learning about wellbeing.
Can poor mental health affect children in school?
Yes. Children and teenagers experiencing mental health issues may struggle with concentration, attendance, or social development. Support from schools, families, and early intervention services is important to help young people thrive academically and emotionally.
Is confidentiality protected when seeking mental health support?
Yes. Whether speaking to a GP, therapist, or online provider, your privacy is protected. In most cases, information is only shared with consent, unless there’s a risk of harm.
Sources
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2024) NICE-recommended digital therapies for depression and anxiety could free up thousands of NHS therapist hours. [online] Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/digital-therapies-for-depression-and-anxiety-disorders-recommended-by-nice-could-potentially-release-thousands-of-therapist-hours-for-the-nhs [accessed 23/07/2025]
House of Commons Library. [2023] Mental health statistics for England. UK Parliament. [online] Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn06988/ [accessed 23/07/2025]
Nick Cooper
15
1
8
