28 May 2008
Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“This report shows that getting people with mental health problems back into work is a sure fire way to reduce the cost to the economy due to earnings lost, which will be £41 billion by 2026. Investment by the government to support individuals back into meaningful employment will result in savings in the long-term and those with mental health problems would benefit tremendously. Going to work increases feelings of self-worth and reduces isolation.”
Commenting on the report’s assertion that the prevalence of most mental disorders (excluding dementia) is likely to remain stable over the next 20 years, McCulloch said:
“It is crucial that wholehearted steps are taken to reduce the prevalence of mental health problems including depression and anxiety. Too many people experiencing mental distress are getting help too late or not at all.
This could be improved if GPs received better training on mental health and were able to prescribe a range of treatments to people with mental health problems quickly. Work should also be done to explain to people how to look after their mental health - the numbers of those who experience mental illness could be significantly reduced. We support the recommendation made by the King’s Fund that more research should be done into the cost-effectiveness of mental health promotion.”
On the news that dementia is set to affect more than 900,000 individuals by 2026 due to an ageing population, McCulloch said:
“The scale of the problem regarding old age and dementia is a serious worry. And dementia is not just a problem for older people - there are currently 18,000 people under the age of 65 with dementia and this number is likely to increase. It is vital that the government’s national dementia strategy provides adequate care for all individuals with the illness and their families.”
Notes to Editors
For further information, please contact the press office team on 020 7803 1130/28/26.
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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