The economic and social costs of mental ill health: Parliamentary briefing

Publication type

Report

Author

  1. -

Publication date

March 15, 2024

Summary:

The mental health of the nation has been getting worse in recent years. Sickness absence due to mental health problems is soaring and rates of poor mental health are increasing at an alarming rate across all age groups. Mental health services have been struggling to keep up with rising demands and there are significant challenges impacting the workforce from recruitment to retention.

In light of these difficulties, our report,'The economic and social costs of mental ill health', sought to recalculate the economic and social costs of mental ill health in England drawing on wider costs, such as presenteeism and staff turnover due to mental ill-health for the very first time.

The report was developed through the Mental Health Economics Collaborative, a partnership between the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network, Centre for Mental Health, and London School of Economics.

Given the magnitude of the costs, we need urgent action to protect and promote the public’s mental health, alongside sustained investment in mental health services.

Centre for Mental Health and the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network are calling for a comprehensive ten-year mental health strategy, as set out by more than 60 organisations in ‘A Mentally Healthier Nation’.

Subjects

Link

https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/publications/the-economic-and-social-costs-of-mental-ill-health/

Notes

"This report was commissioned by the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network as part of the Mental Health Economics Collaborative. The Mental Health Economics Collaborative (MHEC) is an exciting partnership between the NHS Confederation Mental Health Network, Centre for Mental Health and the London School of Economics Personal Social Services Research Unit. MHEC aims to support the identification and spread of innovative approaches delivering high quality, efficient mental health services."


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