Mental Health

The most recent Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) for England found that one in five adults (20.2%) had a common mental health condition — predominantly mixed anxiety and depression, generalised anxiety disorder, and depressive episode — with prevalence higher in women (24.2%) than men (15.4%).^{[1]APMS 2023/4}

Among children and young people, the NHS Digital follow-up survey reported that 20.3% of 8–16 year-olds in England had a probable mental disorder in 2023, a substantial rise from 12.5% in 2017. Rates were highest in 17–19 year-old women, where 23.3% had a probable disorder.^{[2]NHS Digital 2023}

The Office for National Statistics registered 5,656 suicides in England and Wales in 2023, an age-standardised rate of 11.4 per 100,000. Approximately three-quarters were male, and suicide remains a leading cause of death in men under 50.^{[3]ONS 2024}

The cross-government suicide prevention strategy for England prioritises means restriction (medication pack sizes, high-risk locations), responsible media reporting, and improved access to crisis support — interventions with the strongest population-level evidence.^{[6]Mental Health Foundation}

Earlier APMS rounds found that only around one in three adults with a common mental disorder was receiving treatment — split roughly evenly between psychological therapy and medication.^[1]APMS NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) is the largest publicly funded talking-therapy programme in the world; in its most recent year it received over 1.7 million referrals, with around 50% of those completing a course of treatment moving to recovery.^{[5]NHS England, 2024}

For adults with depression, NICE guideline NG222 (2022) recommends a menu of first-line options matched to severity and patient preference: guided self-help, group CBT, group behavioural activation, individual CBT, individual behavioural activation, counselling, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, or — for moderate to severe presentations — an SSRI, with combined therapy and medication for more severe or treatment-resistant cases.^{[4]NICE NG222}

The strongest day-to-day adjuncts with consistent evidence are regular physical activity, consistent sleep, reduced alcohol use, and social connection — all reflected in NICE guidance and the Mental Health Foundation's prevention recommendations.^{[6]Mental Health Foundation}

"Mental health problems are one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide, and the UK is no exception." — Mental Health Foundation, 2024

If you or someone you know is in crisis in the UK: call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), or text SHOUT to 85258. In an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 999.

Movement, connection and time away from home can all help. See Sports, Leisure & Wellbeing Facilities for inclusive local options, or use Find Local Services.