Over 4.3million Brits seek NHS mental health care – the highest number ever

RECORD numbers of people are seeking NHS help for mental health care — with referrals up 16 per cent for children. An all-time high of 4.3 million people were sent for specialist treatment last year, including one million under-18s. Pandemic stress means demand is soaring for assistance with addictions, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and PTSD. Adult […]

RECORD numbers of people are seeking NHS help for mental health care — with referrals up 16 per cent for children.

An all-time high of 4.3 million people were sent for specialist treatment last year, including one million under-18s.

Pandemic stress means demand is soaring for assistance with addictions, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and PTSD.

Adult referrals rose five per cent to 3.3 million.

Dr Adrian James, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said a crisis was “engulfing the country”.

He added: “Staff are working flat out to give patients the support they need but the lack of resources and staff mean it’s becoming an impossible situation to manage.

“Many thousands of people will be left waiting far too long for the treatment they need.”

Charities warn Covid has worsened mental health problems for many who already had them, as well as triggering issues in new patients.

Mind said at least a third of people believe their mental health is worse than it was two years ago.

Experts are calling for more funding and staff for NHS services.

Dr James added: “We need a fully funded plan for mental health services, backed by a long-term workforce plan.”