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Jan 31, 2025

Self-diagnosis and prevention

The recent comments made by former Prime Minister Tony Blair on the subject of self-diagnosis of mental health conditions continue to spark significant conversation. 

Blair’s point was that society's growing focus on mental health places an unsustainable financial burden on the UK government. His argument centres on the notion that many of these issues may not be mental health conditions, but rather the "stresses of everyday life." 

While it’s true that not every challenge we face is a clinical mental health condition, we must not downplay the importance of mental health awareness or discourage those who genuinely need help from seeking support. Early recognition is often the first step toward getting the right care. 

According to Dr Hannah Wilson, consultant psychologist and head of clinical governance and clinical psychology lead at Kooth, there is a need for greater availability of early and preventative support.

It’s important for anyone to feel they can find support when they’re struggling, whether that struggle is an ‘everyday stress’ or linked to a mental health condition. We know that a lack of timely or accessible support can lead to escalating issues and a need for more acute and costly care. So it’s not a case of reducing support or minimising someone’s struggles, it’s more a case of ensuring that preventative support is available in the moment .

Considerations

Recent findings highlight the significant strain on the UK’s sickness benefits system. Mental health conditions contribute heavily to a rising bill, projected to reach £28 billion in the next three years. Additionally, over 200,000 children are waiting for treatment, with the number referred for specialist anxiety treatment doubling in just four years.

While these figures underline the pressing issue of mental health in our society, we must also acknowledge the remarkable progress we’ve made. Mental health awareness has grown tremendously, with stigma significantly reduced and mental health becoming a part of everyday conversations. This shift is a huge step forward.

That said, seeking help is critical for those struggling, and early intervention is key. Many challenges people face can be addressed with simple, accessible support. This is where prevention and early intervention can make a real difference, alleviating pressure on the NHS and ensuring that the help young people need is available when they need it most.

Prevention 

Prevention can build a healthier and stronger society. A report from the Tony Blair Institute shows that reducing major diseases, including mental health issues, by just 20% could increase the UK’s economy by £19.8 billion each year within five years. This is because healthier people are more likely to stay in work and be productive.

It’s particularly important to focus on the mental wellbeing of young people. Early intervention equips the next generation with the tools to understand and manage their mental health, building resilience and coping strategies that serve them throughout their lives. By addressing mental health challenges early, we can reduce the likelihood of more severe issues developing, setting young people up for healthier, more productive futures.

Investing in early mental health support for young people not only improves individual lives but also strengthens society as a whole. Healthier populations lead to stronger economies, less strain on public health systems, and better outcomes for everyone. 

As Dr Wilson put it:

It’s important for anyone to feel they can find support when they’re struggling, whether that struggle is an ‘everyday stress’ or linked to a mental health condition. We know that a lack of timely or accessible support can lead to escalating issues and a need for more acute and costly care. So it’s not a case of reducing support or minimising someone’s struggles, it’s more a case of ensuring that preventative support is available in the moment .

Supporting young people with data-driven solutions

Ensuring the right support reaches those who need it most requires more than just awareness—it demands action. One way to do this is through better data and insight into where support is most needed.

Our latest blog explores how tools like Mapping the Mental Health of the UK’s Young People help commissioners and decision-makers identify gaps in services and ensure no young person feels like they have nowhere to turn. Using data to inform decisions, moves us beyond debate and takes real steps toward a more effective, preventative approach to mental health care.

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