The mental health of working-age individuals in the UK is deteriorating, with a 32% increase in NHS-prescribed antidepressants over the past nine years, according to a report by the Health Foundation.
Drawing from self-reported surveys, screening tools, and clinical diagnoses, the study highlights a doubling in the prevalence of mental ill-health since 2010. More than 10% of working-age individuals now report signs of poor mental health, with the sharpest rise among those aged 16 to 34. Women in this demographic are particularly affected, with 17% reporting mental health conditions compared to 11% of men.
The demand for mental health services has surged in parallel. Nearly nine million antidepressant prescriptions were issued in 2023/24, up from 6.8 million in 2015/16. Additionally, the number of people claiming disability benefits for mental health conditions has doubled since the pandemic. Mental health services in England received a record five million referrals in 2023—a 33% increase from 2019.
Variations in Severity and Socioeconomic Impact
The report notes significant variation in the severity of mental health conditions. While 60% of cases limit individuals’ ability to work, the most pronounced growth in the past two decades has been in conditions that do not impair work capacity, which have increased 12-fold.
Economic disparities also emerge, with those experiencing mental health challenges earning, on average, 21% less than their counterparts without health conditions. Working-age individuals with lower qualifications consistently report the highest rates of mental health issues across all age groups.
Causes and Implications
The Health Foundation attributes the worsening trends to a combination of factors, including higher prevalence, improved reporting, and evolving definitions of mental health conditions.
David Finch, assistant director at the Health Foundation, described the findings as a “cause for serious concern,” emphasizing the dual impact on individuals and the UK workforce.
“It is crucial that we take action to ensure a healthy and productive workforce while also preventing people from leaving work due to a lack of early support,” Finch stated.
He stressed the importance of tailoring support to the diverse needs of affected groups. “The findings indicate people are experiencing a range of severity of issues, suggesting the need for different support for different groups. But this can only be realized with a better understanding of why this is happening. It is only then that government policy can be shaped appropriately.”
The report underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and a comprehensive understanding of mental health trends to mitigate their impact on individuals and society.
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