NEWS: Mental Health Foundation Release New Report on Poor Mental Health Costs
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has released a report looking at the economic cost of poor mental health.
As part of the Mental Health Foundation’s (MHF’s) continuing drive to put prevention at the centre of Scotland’s approach to mental health, they have launched a new report with the London School of Economics (LSE) and Political Science.
The report shows that poor mental health costs the Scottish economy a staggering £8.8 billion per year. This up-to-date calculation by LSE is the first of its kind for over five years and shows the huge economic impact of poor mental health on Scottish, and UK, society.
By focusing on prevention, economic and personal costs can be reduced and support more people to live mentally healthy lives. Rather than waiting for people to become unwell and trying to access treatment, governments and decision-makers should commit to policies that promote good mental health. This should include investment in community programmes that empower everyone, especially people at higher risk, to live well.
MHF’s report provides an overview of the evidence for prevention across the life course. It details the success of initiatives such as parenting programmes, anti-bullying programmes, and workplace support. Not only are people supported to have good mental health, but these programmes also unlock significant cost savings.