"People experiencing mental health issues must be able to access timely support," says BPS
New research from the Institute of Fiscal Studies has revealed that the nation's mental health has worsened since the pandemic.
14 March 2025
More than half of the rise in 16 to 64-year-olds claiming disability benefits since the pandemic is due to claims relating to mental health or behavioural conditions, according to new research from the Institute of Fiscal Studies.
Responding to the report's analysis, President of the British Psychological Society Dr Roman Raczka said:
"These new findings only reinforce what the psychological workforce has long reported in recent years – that the mental health of the nation has worsened since the pandemic.
"People who are experiencing mental health issues must be able to access timely support, well before they reach crisis point. Further investment in the mental health workforce is vital to ensuring that services can meet growing demand. This should be combined with a renewed focus on prevention and early intervention services to prevent difficulties from becoming entrenched.
"The government should take a long-term view when it comes to the nation's mental health. The 10-year health plan and Spring Budget present ideal opportunities for the government to provide the necessary levels of funding required for the nation's mental health services."