A growing “silent mental health pandemic” is sweeping across England, with an alarming 1.8 million people currently awaiting treatment, according to Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Dr Smith emphasizes that mental health conditions often go unseen, contributing to stigma and underfunding in NHS services.
“Because people can’t see mental illness, it’s often dismissed as less important,” Dr Smith explained. While physical health crises—such as patients stranded on hospital trolleys—grab immediate attention and funding, mental health struggles frequently remain overlooked. “The cog that squeaks gets the oil,” she remarked, pointing to a pattern where visible emergencies receive priority over the unseen, yet widespread, mental health issues.
Data reveals a sharp increase in those accessing mental health care in England, rising from 2.6 million individuals in 2016/17 to 4.1 million in 2024/25. This includes a staggering 1.2 million children, more than double the number a decade ago. Despite this rise, less than one-third of people needing mental health support actually receive it.
READ MORE: Cheltenham Town Duo Join Hereford FC on Loan
READ MORE: M5 Park-and-Ride and 1,700 Homes Proposed for Cheltenham Outskirts
Dr Smith highlighted the surge in anxiety and depression rates, linking it heavily to social factors such as poverty, financial insecurity, and trauma. “About 70 to 80% of mental illness is driven by social determinants rather than clinical factors,” she said. Addressing these root causes could significantly lower mental health risks.
The Royal College warned of ongoing structural discrimination and stigma surrounding mental illness, which hinder both public understanding and funding allocation. Despite mental illness accounting for 20% of England’s disease burden, mental health services receive less than 9% of NHS expenditure. Dr Smith stressed the urgent need to raise funding, expand community care, increase inpatient capacity, and invest in mental health research.
“The silent mental health pandemic threatens the health of children and young adults, leading to consequences like school absence, job loss, self-harm, and suicide,” she said. The College called on the government to improve patient outcomes and reduce waiting times with clear standards.
Responding to concerns, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment: “We’re investing an extra £688 million in mental health services this year, hiring almost 8,000 new mental health workers, and introducing Mental Health Support Teams to every school and college in England. New 24/7 Neighbourhood Mental Health Centres and Emergency Departments will ensure round-the-clock help for those in need.”