People with mental health illness continue to increase. In a new government report, experts found that almost half of adults in the UK have suffered from mental health illness at some stage in their lives.
In the recent statistics released by Health Survey England, 26 percent of all adults have been diagnosed with a mental health illness, most typically depression. Another 18 percent also had the same illness but with no official diagnosis.
"It is clear from the findings in this chapter that mental illness is a wide-reaching problem affecting a large sector of the population," the authors wrote.
The authors were able to observe an interesting pattern of prevalence among age groups. While it is anticipated that mental illness increases with age and life experience, the results did not reflect such.
Mental health illnesses were more rampant among middle-aged people or those between 55 to 64 years old. Females are also more likely to experience a mental health problem than men. Among this group, 33 percent of women reported having been diagnosed with a mental health illness, compared to men who only had a 19 percent rate.
Experts say the increase in the number of mental health illness may be attributed to a range of reasons. For one, the society has become more accepting of mental health issues over the recent decades. Such change has led to a cultural shift and wider recognition of the problem.
Different campaigns such as Time To Change have initiated moves to decrease stigma, reduce discrimination and encourage discussion about mental health.
"The survey leaves us in no doubt as to the prevalence of mental ill health in England," says head of Health Surveys Rachel Craig.
Mental health illness is a complicated and significant public health dilemma. In the UK, mental health problem is the leading cause of disability and is accountable for 28 percent of the national burden of disease. The country is said to stash about £70-100 billion or $100-143 billion every year to address the problem.
British prime minister David Cameron has recently pledged to increase funds for mental health services to almost £1 billion or $142 million. For him, the added budget is targeted at developing a more open and mature strategy in dealing with mental health illness.
Photo: Yuliya Libkina | Flickr
