Life has many mysteries, we leave most up to the phylosophers, biologists, archeologists etc, but one that should never be in doubt or a mystery is that life without any quality to it is simply existing, and humans cannot symply exist. We have many problems in society, substance abuse, alcoholism, anti-social behaviour and criminality, most of these problems can be linked back to two main, and interlinked issues – QUALITY OF LIFE and MENTAL HEALTH.
If you do not have good mental health, you cannot achieve a quality of life
Quality of Life and Mental Health: A Crucial Link
The Connection Between Mental Health and Quality of Life
In today’s fast-paced world, discussions about quality of life often revolve around material comforts—affording a home, enjoying holidays, and paying bills without stress. Yet, underlying these concerns is an often-overlooked factor: mental health. Good mental health is foundational to well-being, shaping how we think, feel, and act. Without it, even the best material conditions cannot guarantee happiness or fulfillment.
In the UK, mental health issues are widespread, affecting millions of people from all walks of life. However, despite the clear link between mental health and overall quality of life, the UK’s healthcare system and political landscape have been slow to prioritise mental health services. The House of Commons, in a report published in March of 2024, estimates that at least 17% of adults in the UK require mental health support. Shockingly, the NHS allocates only around 9% of its total budget to mental health services, much of which is consumed by administrative costs, salaries, and building maintenance. The quality of services provided by Adult Mental Health Teams is shockingly poor, this is not questioning the profesionalism and desire of those actively trying to healp people, but they simply lack the resources to support those who are not in urgent and critical need or have been sentenced to mental health confinement by medical practitioners or Courts’ Order.
Mental Health as a Foundation for Quality of Life
Mental health is not simply the absence of mental illness; it encompasses emotional resilience, psychological stability, and the capacity to handle stress. Good mental health empowers individuals to form healthy relationships, succeed in work, and contribute to their communities. When mental health is compromised, it becomes difficult to enjoy even the most basic aspects of life—relationships suffer, productivity declines, and daily routines become overwhelming, just holding on to a job can be a challenge in itself, and this then adds more mental stress due to the impact on finances.
The need for mental health support in the UK is staggering. According to the House of Commons, 17% of adults are in need of some form of mental health care. This ranges from short-term counseling for situational depression to long-term treatment for severe disorders like schizophrenia. However, the provision of mental health services falls woefully short of meeting this demand. The NHS dedicates only 9% of its total budget to mental health care, a figure that is grossly inadequate when considering the scope of the issue.
This lack of funding not only harms individuals but also impacts society as a whole. Untreated mental health problems contribute to substance abuse, alcoholism, unemployment, and even criminal behavior, placing additional strain on the NHS, the criminal justice system, and other public services. Investing in mental health is not just a matter of compassion—it’s a practical necessity for reducing societal stress and improving overall quality of life and social cohesion.
Economic Stability and Its Effect on Mental Health
Income security is often a fundamental determinant of mental health. When people can meet their financial obligations—such as paying rent, mortgages, supporting their families, and occasionally indulging in small luxuries—it reduces stress and anxiety. In contrast, financial insecurity can exacerbate mental health conditions, leading to a vicious cycle of stress, debt, and emotional distress.
Research has consistently shown that economic hardship is a major contributor to poor mental health. A study by the Mental Health Foundation found that people who struggle to make ends meet are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Financial stress affects nearly every aspect of life, from the ability to maintain relationships to the capacity to focus on work or enjoy leisure activities. When people are trapped in the cycle of financial worry, it becomes almost impossible to achieve a high quality of life.
Conversely, financial stability enhances mental health by providing individuals with a sense of security. The ability to take a holiday, afford decent housing, and enjoy occasional luxuries is not merely about indulgence—it’s about reducing stress and fostering a sense of well-being. Economic stability provides people with breathing room to enjoy life without constantly worrying about their financial survival.
It’s important to note that the government plays a critical role in shaping the economic conditions that affect mental health. Policies that address income inequality, improve job security, and provide affordable housing are crucial for fostering a society where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy good mental health and a high quality of life.
The Role of the NHS: Mental Health Underfunding
Despite the critical importance of mental health, the NHS has consistently underfunded this area. Only around 9% of the NHS budget is allocated to mental health services, which is not enough to meet the growing demand for care. A significant portion of this budget is spent on administrative costs, salaries, and maintaining facilities, leaving little for direct patient care.
This underfunding is particularly concerning given the high prevalence of mental health issues that have been identified in the UK. An estimated 17% of adults require mental health support, the demand far exceeds the available resources. Long waiting times, overworked staff, and limited access to specialised care are just some of the challenges facing the NHS when it comes to mental health services. A 2023 survey of children and young people’s mental health found that 20% of children aged 8 to 16 had a probable mental disorder in 2023, up from 12% in 2017. Among those aged 17 to 19, 10% had a probable mental disorder in 2017, rising to 23% in 2023. The above Data from House of Commons Library: Mental health statistics:prevalence, services and funding in England published 1st March 2024. The full report is available here
The consequences of underfunding mental health services ripple throughout society. When people don’t receive the care they need, they are more likely to experience substance abuse, engage in criminal behavior, and become a burden on the healthcare system. In fact, research has shown that investing in mental health care can significantly reduce the strain on all public services. For example, treating mental health issues early can prevent the need for costly interventions in the criminal justice system and reduce the demand for emergency healthcare services.
By failing to adequately fund mental health care, the government is missing an opportunity to improve the overall well-being of the population and reduce long-term costs. It is essential that the NHS is given the scope and resources to re-evaluate its budget priorities and allocate more resources to mental health services.
Broader Societal Impacts: Reducing Stress on Social Systems
The broader societal impact of mental health care—or the lack thereof—cannot be overstated. Good mental health reduces the burden on a wide range of public services, including the criminal justice system, social care, and healthcare. In many cases, untreated mental health issues manifest as antisocial behavior, addiction, and even criminality, all of which place significant stress on these systems and have a wider, negative, impact on society.
According to a study by the Centre for Mental Health, poor mental health is linked to increased rates of substance abuse and alcoholism, which in turn contribute to higher crime rates and greater demand for social services. Individuals who struggle with mental health issues are also more likely to face unemployment, further increasing their reliance on state support and creating a vicious cycle of poverty, stress, and social marginalisation.
Providing adequate mental health care can break this cycle. Early intervention and access to mental health services can prevent individuals from falling into patterns of addiction, criminal behavior, and social exclusion. In turn, this reduces the strain on the NHS, the criminal justice system, and other public services. By addressing mental health issues at their root, we can create a healthier, more resilient society.
A report by the Justice Inspectorate in November 2021 gave a damning indictment of how Mental Health not only impacts the Criminal Justice system, but also how the Criminal Justice system is continually failing those in its care who have mental health problems. The Report can be read HERE
In the extreme end of Mental Health, we see people takling their own lives, suicide, and each life lost is a tragedy, despite claims by successive governments to address the rate of suicide, not much has been achieved or even noticably done. The ONS and Samaritans are the best source of information on this tragic topic, here is the latest data.
England 2023
Office for National Statistics publish suicide data for England here.
- 5656 suicides were registered in 2023*. This is 372 more than in 2022.
- The overall suicide rate was 11.2 per 100,000**, which is an increase on the previous year.
- The male suicide rate was 17.1 per 100,000**, compared to a female suicide rate of 5.6 per 100,000**.
- Males aged 45-49 years were found to have the highest suicide rate (25.3 per 100,000).
- There is regional variation in the suicide rates. The highest rate and biggest increase was in the North West (14.7 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with 12.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2022). The lowest rate was once again in London (7.3 per 100,000**).
Wales 2023
Office for National Statistics publish suicide data for Wales here
- 386 suicides were registered in 2023*. This is 47 more than in 2022.
- The overall suicide rate was 14.0 per 100,000**, which is an increase on the previous year.
- The male suicide rate was 22.0 per 100,000** compared to the female suicide rate of 6.3 per 100,000**.
- The highest suicide rate in Wales was found among males aged 30-34 years (37.6 per 100,000).
*It is important to note that suicide rates are based on date of registration of death, which happens after an inquest and can sometimes take more than a year.
**Rates are age-standardised, find out more in our Using Suicide Data information here
Scotland 2023
National Records of Scotland publish suicide data for Scotland here.
- 792 probable suicides were registered in 2023*. This is 30 more deaths than in 2022.
- The overall suicide rate was 14.6 per 100,000 people, a slight increase on the previous year.
- Males remain 3 times as likely to die by suicide than females.
- Since 2000, the average age of death for suicides has generally increased, from a low of 41.9 years in 2000 to 46.6 years in 2023.
- People living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are two and a half times more likely to die by suicide than those living in the least deprived areas.
*For Scotland, the registration time for deaths by suicide is around 8 days so the suicide registration data is more likely to reflect occurrences (the date of death) than other nations but is still registration data.
Political Message: The Need for Investment and Reform
The underfunding of mental health services is not just a healthcare issue—it’s a political one. The government must recognise that mental health is a crucial component of public health, thus a critical part of National Security, and invest accordingly. Increasing the NHS budget for mental health services would not only improve individual well-being but also reduce the long-term costs associated with untreated mental health issues. Whilst the state would face increased funding costs in Mental Health Provision, it would see, in time, reduced costs as a result of substance abuse, alcoholism, anti-social behaviour, criminality and even divorce rates. Relationship failure is another major source of poor mental health due to the stress this can cause, especially if the seperation becomes toxic.
A 2019 survey by Relate, a relationship counseling charity, highlighted that money worries are one of the top causes of stress in relationships, with 26% of respondents indicating that financial concerns were a source of conflict. Overall, it is estimated that up to 40% of all relationship failures are the result of financial stress.
Other sources, such as debt charities and family law firms, have reported that financial issues like debt, disagreements about spending, and income disparities contribute to a significant portion of divorces, often alongside other factors like communication issues or infidelity.
Moreover, mental health should not be treated as a separate issue from other aspects of public policy. Income inequality, job insecurity, and housing affordability all play a role in shaping mental health outcomes. Policies that promote economic stability, protect workers’ rights, and ensure access to affordable housing are essential for creating a society where everyone can enjoy good mental health and a high quality of life.
It’s time for the government to take a holistic approach to mental health. By integrating mental health into broader public policy discussions and prioritizing funding for mental health services, we can improve the well-being of millions of people and reduce the strain on public services.
A Holistic Approach to Quality of Life
Mental health and quality of life are inseparable. Without good mental health, even the best economic conditions cannot guarantee happiness or fulfillment. At the same time, financial stability and access to basic needs are critical for maintaining good mental health. The underfunding of mental health services in the UK is a major barrier to achieving this balance.
By increasing investment in mental health care, addressing economic inequalities, and reducing societal stress, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life. Mental health should be at the forefront of political debates, not just as a healthcare issue, but as a cornerstone of public well-being and National Security.
British Democracy advocates and will create a dedicated National Mental Health Service, one that will be properly funded, with highly trained and experienced cousellors, psychologists and psychiatrists. We will make it possible, in time, because it cannot be achieved overnight, that all adult citizens will have free access to a counsellor at least once per month, we will also investigate the p[lacing of dedicated councellors in schools so that children can also get the support they require if they are stressed or facing difficulties.