Mental Health Awareness Week often brings a surge of well-intentioned messages: “Talk more,” “Be kind,” “Reach out.”
While these sentiments are important, they don’t address the systemic issues that continue to hinder access to mental health care.
Why the Mental Health System is Letting Us Down
Having worked within the NHS, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication of professionals striving to provide care amidst limited resources. Yet, despite their efforts, the system often falls short and continues to run on the backbone of mostly hard working people.
I’ve seen how dedicated professionals are expected to work miracles in a system that’s underfunded, overstretched, and drowning in need. I’ve seen what it does to patients – and to staff.
And on a personal level, I’ve watched someone I love – my brother – navigate that same system. While he received care, it didn’t truly help him manage his mental health. It didn’t give him the tools or the space to thrive. That stays with me now that he is no longer here with us.
Now, as a Psychologist in private practice, I see individuals turning to private care out of necessity more than choice. Even then, finding a therapist who resonates with one’s cultural background and personal experiences remains a challenge, especially for parents seeking help for their children. But in private practice, I also see the impact on numerous rogue therapists who advertise their professional status as far beyond their actual skills and expertise. I have heard tragic stories about the impact of their therapeutic ‘advice’ on clients’ lives which in most cases has led to re-traumatisation.
Mental health awareness is, of course, crucial but without accessible and effective support, it doesn’t translate into meaningful change.
“Wellbeing Tip: Get good at understanding how you are truly feeling”
The State of Our Mental Health: What the Data Shows
Here are just a few statistics about the state of mental health in England and the UK:
- Record-Breaking Referrals: In 2023, mental health services in England received a record 5 million referrals, marking a 33% increase since 2019. (British Medical Association).
- Children Waiting Years: Over 150,000 children in the UK have been waiting more than two years for mental health treatment through the NHS.
- Longest Waits Ever: Adults are now eight times more likely to wait over 18 months for mental health treatment compared to physical health care. (rethink.org).
- Inadequate Funding: In 2023/24, local NHS bodies planned to spend £14.4 billion on mental health, learning disability, and dementia services—only 14.2% of total health service funding. (House of Commons Library)
- Turning to Private Care: Nearly one in eight Britons have paid for private health services in the last year, driven by frustration with NHS delays. (The Guardian)
“Wellbeing Tip: Don’t wait for a diagnosis before you work on feeling better”
Why This Matters
These statistics aren’t just numbers; they represent individuals – children, adults, families – struggling to access the care they need. The prolonged waits and limited resources can exacerbate mental health issues, for individuals as well as the systems around them, leading to crises that could have been prevented with timely interventions.
“Wellbeing Tip: Don’t wait for a diagnosis before you work on feeling better”
What Needs to Change
- Increase Mental Health Awareness: This needs to be a core component of the educational and workplace systems – not just a tickbox Increased Funding: Allocate a more significant portion of NHS funding to mental health services to meet the growing demand
- Policy Reform: Implement policies that prioritise mental health equally with physical health, ensuring timely access to care.
- Community-Based Support: Develop and fund community mental health programs to provide accessible, localised support.
- Public Awareness and Education: Continue to destigmatise mental health issues and promote understanding through education and public campaigns.
- Increase Funding for Therapists: Focus on the real harm that can be caused by unqualified therapists and increase resources towards funding and supporting therapists to do their work
“Wellbeing Tip: Don’t wait to be told it’s serious enough — if it hurts, it matters.”
Free Mental Health Resources to Support You
These tools are designed to provide guidance and support, whether you’re considering therapy or looking for ways to manage your mental health independently.
When it comes to Mental Health Awareness, let’s move beyond awareness and advocate for actionable change. Everyone deserves timely, effective, and compassionate mental health care. You deserve to feel better without having to take all of the responsibility. You also deserve not to have to wait to be told you can heal. Start with small actionable steps that feel empowering and connect with likeminded people as a big first leap into mental wellbeing.
