Mental Health of Working Age People Seems To Be Getting Worse

A report by the Health Foundation highlighted this morning by Sky journalist Megan Harwood-Baynes details a significant rise in self-reported signs of poor mental health among the working-age population, with the percentage of people experiencing mental health challenges doubling since 2010.

As a clinical psychologist I find these numbers deeply concerning but, unfortunately, not surprising.

Increasing Mental Health Challenges in the Workforce

The report drawn attention to by Megan Harwood-Baynes goes on to describe  a 32% increase in NHS-prescribed antidepressants over nine years, reaching almost nine million prescriptions in 2023/24. While medication is essential for many, it’s vital to address the systemic, social, and psychological factors driving these trends.

Age and Gender Disparities

Young adults aged 16 to 34 face the most significant increase in poor mental health, with women in this group reporting higher rates (17%) compared to men (11%). This gender disparity highlights the need to explore barriers that may prevent men from acknowledging or addressing their mental health challenges and to develop targeted interventions for both groups.

Economic and Educational Impacts

The economic consequences of mental health conditions are stark. Workers with mental health challenges earn 79% of the hourly pay of their peers without such conditions. Additionally, individuals with lower-level qualifications consistently report higher rates of mental health issues. Addressing these disparities requires integrated efforts combining mental health support with education, skill-building, and employment initiatives.

Increased Demand for Services

A record five million referrals to mental health services in England in 2023 represents a 33% increase since 2019. This surge reflects both a heightened need for support and potential bottlenecks in accessing timely care. Megan Harwood-Baynes draws attention to the distinction between work-limiting and non-work-limiting conditions that further emphasises the diverse spectrum of mental health challenges. Although less severe conditions have seen the greatest rise, their cumulative impact on well-being and productivity should not be underestimated.

Over Medicalisation of Mental Health

From my perspective, it’s our misguided response to less severe mental health conditions that lies behind much of the bottlenecks we’re seeing in accessing NHS services. As a society we’ve tended to over medicalise mental health and treat the presenting symptoms with psychiatric drugs as a first response rather than equip people with the emotional and social skills they need to manage their emotions more effectively.

This is particularly distressing because in the field of clinical psychology over the past forty years, thirteen sources of wellbeing have been rigorously studied and identified that act to protect people’s mental health. Of these thirteen sources that are critical to maintaining good mental health - as well as creating high-performing work cultures - ten of them are grounded in the skills of what more recently has been referred to as Emotional Intelligence (EI).

At the root of many mental health disorders lies the inability of individuals to manage distressing emotions effectively. At its core, EI focuses  on emotional regulation which is the ability to exert control over one's own emotional state. It enables people to rethink challenging situations and reduce anger or anxiety. EI fosters the ability to calm the mind and access positive emotions and deploy creative, constructive behaviours that over time create new neural networks that sustain behaviour change.

Emotional Intelligence is Positively Protective of Wellbeing

Emotional intelligence (EI) competencies play a crucial role in safeguarding mental health and well-being over the long term. These skills can, and should, be systematically taught in both schools and workplaces to empower individuals and build resilience against mental health challenges. However, despite their proven benefits, there remains a significant lack of investment in teaching these essential skills, particularly to young people.

Policy and Systemic Considerations

From a policy perspective, the call to action for a healthy and productive workforce resonates strongly. Effective interventions must be multifaceted, encompassing early identification, accessible treatment, and workplace accommodations. But surely prevention is better than cure as a first response.

Clinical Recommendations

From my perspective as a clinical psychologist, the report underscores the need for:

1. Holistic Mental Health Support: Beyond medication, individuals need access to therapy, community programs, and tailored psychoeducational resources.
2. Workplace Initiatives: Employers play a crucial role in fostering mental well-being, reducing stigma, and accommodating employees facing mental health challenges and providing programmes that teach the skills of EI.
3. Focus on Vulnerable Groups: Targeted interventions for young adults, women, and those with lower educational attainment can address disparities effectively.
4. Research and Innovation: Investigating the underlying drivers of these trends—economic, technological, and cultural—is vital for crafting effective solutions.

While the data paints a sobering picture, it also presents an opportunity for systemic change. By addressing these challenges with empathy, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to equity, we can pave the way for a healthier, more resilient workforce and society.

Dr Martyn Newman

Clinical Psychologist