How Common Are Mental Health Problems?

How common are mental health problems? The short answer; extremely common, although it is rather difficult to quantify.

Much like physical health, mental health is complex and can be described upon a wide spectrum of 'seriousness'. A common cold is a physical illness but is it a health problem? Are issues such as mild depression/anxiety/loneliness etc therefore mental health problems?

It is a relative question of coping. If mental health issues are adversely affecting your life then, much like a physical issue, they can be considered a problem that should be addressed.

The trouble is that many of us wont think twice before seeking out a doctor for a physical ailment such as a stomach ache, but will struggle on with mental conditions without seeking help or even admitting to a problem. Ignoring such matters can make them much worse in time causing all kinds of related health problems, both to the individual and those close to them.

For these reasons there has been a recent drive in awareness of mental health issues, with the general purpose of letting the population know that mental health problems are common, that they are treatable and it is certainly acceptable to talk about them. Last week the UK government committed an extra 2 billion GBP to mental health service , we also have mental health awareness week while even the Royal Family have got in on the act. Only time will tell how effective such strategies will be, but I think the results will be hugely positive for society.

So how common are mental health issues?

In the UK a large scale study was conducted in 2016, the results of which are summarised by Mind UK, who also state that 1 in 4 adults will experience a mental health issue each year. It is worth mentioning that the study is far from perfect as it only covered those adults living in private housing, so critically does not include those vulnerable groups where mental health problems are known to be prevalent, such as the homeless, those in hospital or prison. For this reason the following stats can be considered lower than the true figure of the general populous.

What the study says

Generalised anxiety disorder: 5.9%
Depression: 3.3%
Phobias: 2.4%
OCD: 1.3%
Panic disorder: 0.6 in 100 people
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): 4.4%
Mixed anxiety and depression: 7.8%

Psychotic disorder: 0.7%
Bipolar disorder: 2.0%
Antisocial personality disorder: 3.3%
Borderline personality disorder: 2.4%

Suicidal thoughts: 20.6%
Suicide attempts: 6.7%
Self-harm: 7.3%

Mind UK report that 1 in 8 of adults in the UK with mental health problems are being treated, with medication serving as the most common form of treatment.

If we say there are roughly 50 million adults in the UK, even a 8% prevalence of mixed anxiety and depression would suggest there are 4 million adults in the UK with the mental health issue, and one could assume there are many more under the age of 18. It is also interesting to consider what is causing the 20% of suicidal thoughts.

Applying these figures to a worldwide population it is quite staggering to think how many people around the world are suffering with mental health problems that are going untreated.

It is my opinion that medication can only go some way in fully treating a mental condition and can merely paper over the cracks in many cases. Drugs can make you feel better of course, but can they alone solve the underlying causes of mental health problems? Locating and understanding the root of mental issues is a key proponent of talking therapies, along with finding life solutions and coping mechanisms applicable to the individual's life.