Recent data indicates escalating challenges across demographic groups, with young people experiencing significant impacts

The mental health of the working-age population appears to be getting worse according to analysis published by the Health Foundation. The report shows over 10% of working-age Britons now report signs of poor mental health, with the most notable increase seen in young people aged 16-34. Worryingly, mental health conditions in this demographic have at least doubled in the past decade.

Additionally, people with lower-level qualifications, those outside the labour market, and people living in Scotland and northern England are more likely to report a condition.

Other notable points include:

  • In 2023/24, almost 9 million people received NHS-prescribed anti-depressants, compared to 6.8 million in 2015/16
  • The number of people claiming mental health-related disability benefits has doubled since the pandemic
  • Sharp rise in service demands – in 2023, mental health services in England received a 5 million referrals, up 33% since 2019

The report also addresses the challenges that mental health conditions can have on people’s ability to work. While 60% of mental health conditions are considered ‘work-limiting’, the fastest-growing category is ‘non-work-limiting’ conditions, which have surged twelvefold. This group have higher employment rates that match those of people with no health conditions, but they are more likely to be paid less for the work they do. Those with a work-limiting mental health condition are half as likely to be employed compared to those without health conditions.

  • Rising prevalence – there is a worsening of mental health in the population. Financial pressures, such as the rising cost of living, are linked to declining mental health, as are the impacts of the pandemic, including isolation and loneliness. Factors such as work and living conditions, social media, technology, and social attitudes may play a role
  • Increased reporting – rising awareness and reduced stigma could make people more likely to report conditions
  • Evolving definitions – as we develop a new understanding of mental health conditions, combined with the changing nature of such conditions, this could mean that recent data reflects a broader range of conditions

It’s also thought that the rise in mental health problems among young people reflects longterm societal and structural changes in young people’s development and the support they have access to. This comes just weeks after headlines reporting an increase in sick days within the NHS.

The Commission for Healthier Working Lives' spring 2025 report is expected to provide guidance for government and employers on supporting workforce mental health.

In the meantime, here are some resources that may help if you are affected by any of the issues raised:

How to prevent early career burnout
What are reasonable workplace adjustments for mental health?
What happens when you can’t work due to your mental health?
I’ve taken a mental health sick day, now what?

.