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What are the most common mental health issues in the UK?

  • Writer: James Priestley
    James Priestley
  • Jun 20
  • 3 min read

Top 10 Most Common Mental Health Issues in the UK


1. Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is currently the most common mental health issue in the UK, affecting approximately 1 in 6 adults on a weekly basis. In Leeds, anxiety-related support is among the most sought-after mental health services, reflecting national patterns in local search trends.


2. Depression

Moderate to severe depressive symptoms were reported by around 16 percent of adults in the UK as of autumn 2022, up from around 10 percent before the COVID-19 pandemic. As cost of living pressures grow, depression rates in cities like Leeds are increasing.


3. Common Mental Health Disorders (CMDs)

CMDs, including depression and anxiety, affect around 1 in 6 people aged 16 and over at any given time. These disorders contribute to approximately 21 percent of England’s total disease burden and cost the UK economy around £105 billion annually.


4. Stress

Stress is a widespread but often under-diagnosed condition. Whether caused by work, financial pressure, or caregiving responsibilities, stress is a key contributor to poor mental health in both adults and young people.


5. Mental Health in Schools and Children

In children aged 6 to 16, the proportion with probable mental disorders rose from 11.6 percent in 2017 to 17.4 percent in 2021. Among 17 to 19-year-olds, the rate increased to 25.7 percent by 2022. Mental health in schools is now a national priority, with the introduction of mental health support teams in the UK and Leeds.


6. Loneliness

Loneliness is a major contributor to poor mental health across all age groups. Among children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), 68 percent report feeling lonely compared to 52 percent of those without SEND.


7. Severe Mental Illness (SMI)

Conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect approximately half a million people in England, with over 551,000 individuals registered with GPs for treatment.


8. Eating Disorders and Self-Harm

Self-harm and disordered eating continue to rise among young people. Recent national reports show increasing concern for teenagers struggling with body image and emotional distress.


9. Substance Misuse

Often occurring alongside mental health disorders, substance misuse remains a serious concern. It contributes to a large portion of England’s disease burden and is frequently linked with underlying trauma and stress.


10. Mental Health-Related School Absences

There is a clear connection between mental health challenges and school absence, particularly among students in Year 11. Early intervention and mental health provision in schools can reduce absence and improve outcomes.


Mental Health and Digital Support in Leeds


As digital tools grow in popularity, more people are turning to apps for rapid access to support. With searches for terms like "mental health app in Leeds" on the rise, fast-response platforms are becoming essential. VÕS HELP is proud to be recognised as one of the fastest mental health apps in the UK, offering access to real people, not bots, in minutes.


Whether it’s anxiety, stress, or depression, our platform offers accessible support across Leeds and the rest of the UK, especially when traditional services are facing delays.

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Key Takeaways

Mental Health Issue

Statistic

Common mental health disorders

1 in 6 adults

Depression

16 percent report moderate to severe symptoms

Youth disorders (6–16 years)

17.4 percent in 2021

Youth disorders (17–19 years)

25.7 percent in 2022

Loneliness in SEND children

68 percent

Severe mental illness (SMI)

Over 551,000 on GP registers

Children on referral waiting lists

Over 270,000

Sources

All data referenced is from verified UK government and public health resources:

  1. NHS Digital - Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2022https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/mental-health-of-children-and-young-people-in-england/2022-follow-up-to-the-2017-survey

  2. Office for National Statistics (ONS) - Depression in Adultshttps://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/articles/depressioninbritishadults/2023-02-06

  3. GOV.UK - State of the Nation Report 2022https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-of-the-nation-2022-children-and-young-peoples-wellbeing

  4. NHS England - Mental Health Services Monthly Statisticshttps://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/mental-health-services/

  5. GOV.UK - Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Provisionhttps://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/transforming-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-provision-a-green-paper

  6. Public Health England - The Cost of Mental Health Problemshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-and-wellbeing-jsna-toolkit

 
 
 

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