Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also influences how we handle stress, relate to others and make decisions.
All of the links to websites in this blog offer a range of self help guides and educational resources.
Key Definitions of Mental Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines normal mental health as a state where individuals can realise their potential. It means they are able to cope with everyday stresses, work productively and contribute to their community.
The NHS explains that mental health affects our thoughts and behaviours. It plays a crucial role in how we manage stress and interact with others.
According to the dictionary, mental health refers to a person’s psychological and emotional condition.
Statistics on Mental Health
WHO research shows that about 1 in 4 people worldwide will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. In the UK, the Mental Health Foundation reported that 19% of adults faced some form of mental health problem in 2023.
1 in 5 people take a day off due to stress. Yet, 90% of these people cited a different reason for their absence.
In 2018/19, stress, depression or anxiety were responsible for 44% of all cases of work-related ill health and 54% of all working days lost due to health issues in UK.
Mental ill health is responsible for 72 million working days lost and costs £34.9 billion each year, however, different studies will estimate the cost of mental ill health in different ways. Other reputable research estimates this cost to be as high as £74–£99 billion.
Presenteeism (being at work, but unproductive) accounts for 2 times more losses than absences.
Scotland Specific Statistics on Mental Health
- In 2018/19 12% of individuals noted having two or more symptoms of depression.
- 14% of individuals noted having two or more symptoms of anxiety.
England Specific Statistics on Mental Health
- 1 in 6 people aged 16+ had experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety.
- In surveys taken between July 2019 and March 2020 prevalence of depression was 10%, but this rose to 19% by June 2020 and 21% by January to March 2021. By September to October 2022 the proportion had fallen to 16%.
The Mental Health ‘Continuum’
Mental health exists on a continuum. This means it ranges from well-being to severe distress. People move along this scale throughout their lives. This continuum is crucial for understanding that mental health is not static. It fluctuates based on life circumstances, stressors and support systems. Instead of categorising people as “mentally healthy” or “mentally ill,” this approach recognises the varying degrees of mental health that everyone experiences.
The continuum can be divided into three broad stages:
1. Healthy or Typical Mental Health: Characterized by resilience, emotional balance and the ability to manage life’s challenges. Individuals in this stage function well in their personal and professional lives.
2. Mild to Moderate Stress: Individuals may experience periods of mild distress or early signs of mental health struggles. Here, self-care practices, social support, or professional guidance can help prevent further decline.
3. Poor Mental Health or Illness: Severe struggles, including anxiety, depression or chronic mental health challenges require professional intervention and support.
Why the Mental Health Continuum Matters
Understanding the mental health continuum helps identify early signs of mental health distress. This knowledge allows us to take action before conditions worsen. Recognising where people are on this continuum enables maintain or improve mental health. People will move between these stages. Regular self-care, positive relationships and seeking help when needed are essential for maintaining mental well-being. Regular self-care, building supportive relationships and seeking help when necessary are the key components to remember.
Recognising that mental health operates on a continuum helps destigmatise struggles. It encourages everyone to see mental health as a dynamic part of life rather than a fixed medical condition. By identifying stresses early and taking action – whether through mindfulness, physical activity or therapy, people can move back toward mental well-being before their situation worsens.
The continuum approach promotes a proactive attitude toward mental health care. It allows people to build resilience and coping skills which are crucial for long-term well-being.
The Cost of Mental Health to Business
Mostly, people do not pretend to be mentally unwell, they pretend to be well. However, the economic impact of poor mental health is significant.
Employers are increasingly recognising the value of supporting employees’ mental health along this continuum. For example, a 2022 Deloitte report found that for every £1 spent on mental health interventions, businesses gain £5 in reduced absenteeism, presenteeism and decreased staff turnover. This highlights the importance of early intervention and ongoing support. The same report found poor mental health costs employers between £42 billion and £45 billion annually.
Improving mental health
Regular self-care, fostering strong relationships and seeking professional support when needed are vital for maintaining a persons mental health and ability to work well. Understanding the mental health continuum also helps break stigma. Everyone should be encouraged to take proactive steps to manage their mental well-being.
Want to learn more about Mental Health First Aid?
The First Aid Training Co-operative runs a suite of private first aid courses that can be delivered at your choice of venue, at a time and date to suit you. We’ll come to you and tailor your course to suit your specific situation, based on one of the core course types that we have in our portfolio. We now have a range of courses available for those looking to become Mental Health First Responders in the workplace, raise awareness of mental health amongst their staff plus specialist mental health training for outdoor professionals. Check out our mental health first aid course suite.
