Mental illness is on the rise. Awareness and understanding has increased significantly in the last 30 years meaning that mental illness is becoming more and more common. Most statistics say 1 in 4 of us will suffer from some type of mental illness, some even believe it’s 9 in 10.
Women are now more likely to be affected than men and particularly the younger generation (under 25).
Men are more likely to attempt suicide. There are abut 6,000 suicides in the UK each year with 3 out of 4 of those accounted for by men. A study suggested 1 in 6 people attempted suicide while waiting on therapy.
Problems are particularly common in the young with three quarters of all mental health issues established by the age of 24.
Despite awareness across the UK on the increase, almost 9 in 10 people who have had mental ill-health said they suffered stigma and discrimination.
One in nearly 7 people experience mental health problem in the workplace, costing UK businesses billions
Burn-out is now a recognised condition according to the World Health Organisation. It has not yet been added to the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (The DSM).
“Most people with mental health problems are not violent and most people who are violent are not mentally ill” Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Chief Medical Officer.
sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/health and https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk data correct as of August 2019
