Mental Health – What It Means and Where to Get Help

Mental health is a person’s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how people think, feel, act, cope with stress, relate to others, and make choices. In the UK, mental health is also understood as a state of wellbeing in which people can realise their abilities, manage everyday pressures, work productively, and contribute to their community.

What is mental health?

Mental health is not simply the absence of a diagnosed condition. It exists on a spectrum, and everyone moves along that spectrum at different points in their lives. The government’s harmonisation guidance describes mental health as a positive state of wellbeing that enables people to cope with change, work and take part in society.

Key terms you may hear include:

• Mental wellbeing – a general sense of feeling good and functioning well.
• Mental ill-health – emotional or psychological difficulties that may be mild, moderate or severe.
• Mental health condition – a recognised condition affecting mood, thinking or behaviour, such as depression or anxiety.
• Mental health crisis – a point when someone needs urgent support because they are unable to cope or are at risk of harm.

Mental health at a glance

Aspect	Key fact
Definition	A state of wellbeing enabling coping, productivity and community contribution.
Common conditions	Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, eating disorders.
Crisis help	Samaritans on 116 123, or NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
Prevalence	1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year.

What are the most common mental health conditions?

According to the NHS England survey, the most common conditions are depression and anxiety disorders. Mind adds that anxiety and depression are the most common types, while conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are rarer.

Depression

Depression is one of the common mental health conditions identified in NHS data. It is characterised by persistent low mood, loss of interest and reduced energy.

Anxiety disorders

Generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and phobias are all classed as common anxiety disorders. They involve excessive fear or worry that is difficult to control.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD is included in the same NHS survey group of common conditions. It involves recurrent unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is listed by NHS mental health pages and other sources as a condition that can develop after a traumatic event.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are also listed by the NHS as conditions that affect mental health and are linked to serious emotional and physical difficulties.

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Mind points out that while these conditions are less common, they can be serious. They affect how a person thinks, feels and relates to the world.

Common mental health conditions at a glance

Condition	What to know
Depression	Persistent low mood and loss of interest; one of the most common conditions.
Generalised anxiety disorder	Excessive worry that is difficult to control.
Panic disorder	Recurrent panic attacks; classed as a common anxiety disorder.
Phobias	Intense fear of a specific object or situation.
OCD	Repetitive thoughts and compulsions.
PTSD	Anxiety following a traumatic event.
Eating disorders	Disordered eating linked to emotional distress.
Schizophrenia	Affects thinking, feeling and behaviour; less common.
Bipolar disorder	Extreme mood swings between highs and lows; less common.

How common are mental health problems?

NHS England estimates that one in four adults and one in ten children experience a mental health problem. Mind uses a similar figure, suggesting about one in four people in the UK are affected each year.

What causes mental health problems?

The exact causes of most mental health conditions are not fully understood. According to current research, they are often multifactorial, meaning a combination of biology, life experiences and wider circumstances. Some risk factors include trauma, ongoing stress, social isolation, physical health conditions and family history.

What signs might indicate someone needs support?

The NHS suggests taking notice if you or someone close to you is experiencing persistent sadness, excessive worry, changes in sleep or appetite, feeling overwhelmed, withdrawing from people, hearing voices or having thoughts of self-harm. These can be early warning signs.

Where can I get help and support in the UK?

If you need urgent help, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. North East London NHS also provides a free and confidential crisis line. You can text 07860 017 169 for support in a crisis.

Other services include:

• Samaritans – call 116 123 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
• Mind – call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463, based on the NHS Professionals mental health hub.
• Rethink Mental Illness – call 0808 801 0525.
• Silver Line – call 0800 4 70 80 90 for older people.
• NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies – call 0333 188 1060, with an easy-read guide available.

How has mental health awareness changed over time?

Mental health was once a topic people rarely spoke about. The founding of the Mental Health Foundation marked an early focus on research and prevention. The creation of the NHS in the 1940s made mental health care part of a wider public health system. Today, awareness campaigns take place every year.

In the UK and the US, Mental Health Awareness Month is observed in May. It aims to reduce stigma and promote available support. Other campaigns, such as Time to Talk Day, encourage people to start honest conversations about mental wellbeing.

Why is mental health now seen as a human right?

The World Health Organization describes mental health as a state of wellbeing in which people can realise their abilities, work productively and contribute to their community. The WHO also links mental health to human rights, arguing that everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This has helped shift the conversation from individual illness to social and economic conditions that affect people’s mental wellbeing.

The UK Government’s mental health and wellbeing plan discussion paper also connects mental health with wider social factors, recognising that prevention is better than cure:

“Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious long-term conditions.” — Mind

“A mental health condition may be present when patterns are causing significant distress or impairment.” — Mayo Clinic

What does the future of mental health care look like?

Experts expect greater use of digital therapeutics and remote therapy. Researchers are also studying precision psychiatry, which aims to tailor treatment based on genetics, biomarkers and personal history. However, the long-term impact of many digital mental health apps is still being evaluated, and more robust evidence is needed before they are widely prescribed.

What is known and what remains uncertain?

What is well established:

• Mental health conditions are common and affect people of all backgrounds.
• Psychological and social interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can be effective.
• Early support improves outcomes.

What remains less clear:

• The exact biological and environmental causes of most conditions are still not fully understood.
• The long-term benefits and risks of many digital health applications are not yet proven.

Frequently asked questions

Is mental health the same as mental illness?

No. Mental health is a broad spectrum of wellbeing that everyone experiences. Mental illness is one type of mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels or behaves.

When is Mental Health Awareness Month?

It is observed in May in both the UK and the US. The month aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness about mental health issues.

How can I help a friend or relative who is struggling?

Start a conversation, listen without judging, and encourage them to seek professional support. Taking part in campaigns like Time to Talk Day can also provide a structure for having those conversations.

What should I do in a mental health crisis?

Call NHS 111 and press the option for mental health support. You can also text 07860 017 169 or contact the Samaritans on 116 123 for free and confidential emotional support.

Can I get mental health support without seeing a GP?

Many NHS Talking Therapies services accept self-referrals. Alternatively, you can contact charity helplines directly. Some services may still require a GP referral, depending on the organisation and local arrangements.