Legal News

Mental health charity Mind has responded to new figures published by NHS Digital (formerly the Health and Social Care Information Centre) estimating the prevalence of mental health problems across the country.

The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey is published every seven years and is based on the results of a household survey in England.

Some of the key findings from the survey are that one in five women (19%) reported symptoms of common mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety disorders – and one in five adults (21%) reported that they had thought of taking their own life at some point.

A total of one in four 16- to 24-year-old women (26%) had self-harmed – more than twice the rate in young men (10%) – and one in three adults (37%) with common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression were accessing mental health treatment in 2014.

Chief Executive of Mind, Paul Farmer, said:

“We welcome this new survey data by NHS Digital, which provides a useful insight into the nation’s mental health.

“Nothing has improved when it comes to the prevalence of mental health problems in England – it’s also particularly concerning to see the amount of women experiencing common mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, has risen.

“It’s shocking that a quarter of young women have been self-harming – and a fifth of adults have felt suicidal.

“It’s difficult to know the exact reasons behind these changes – and they are likely to be due to a huge combination of factors.

“It’s also worth bearing in mind that this could be an indication that more people are coming forward if and when they are concerned about their own mental health – and that GPs and other health professionals are quickly recognising symptoms and prescribing relevant treatments and services where necessary.”

Mr Farmer added that it was positive that the proportion of people accessing mental health services had increased to one in three adults – although the figure represents only those with common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, rather than more complex cases.

“It’s still clear that nowhere near enough people are getting the support they need,” Mr Farmer said.

“In fact, more people than not are getting no treatment at all – we want to see everyone experiencing a mental health problem being able to access the treatments and services they need, when they need them.

“We still have a long way to go before our mental health is treated as equally important to our physical health.

“These data make it clear to the government that, when it comes to the nation’s mental health, the time to act is now.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available nationwide at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.