How our Mental Health System works
- Mable Green
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Good mental health is essential for individuals and for a functioning society. Mental illnesse can influence all aspects of a person's. s life and relationship. There is a huge cost to society, individual lives, and the Health and social care system. Mental Health is estimated to cost around £118 billion annually to the UK economy and nearly £101 billion in England.
In 2025, children's mental health remains a critical concern, with data indicating high levels of need. In England, over 511,000 people were in contact with children and young people's mental health services by May 2025. Children from the least well-off 20% of households are four times more likely to have serious mental health issues by age 11 compared to the most affluent.
Key 2025 Children's Mental Health Data:
Service Usage (England): As of May 2025, 511,321 people were in contact with NHS-funded children and young people's mental health services.
Socioeconomic Impact: Children from the bottom 20% of households are four times more likely to experience serious mental health difficulties by age 11, according to the Centre for Mental Health.
Prevalence Trends: Mental health issues among young people have increased by 50% over the last three years, with approximately 5 in 30 children in a classroom likely to have a mental health condition, reports The Children’s Society.
Key Trends: The 2025 trends indicate a shift toward proactive, granular approaches to mental wellness, according to the Global Wellness Institute.
International Context: In the U.S., depression rates for those under 30 reached 26.7% in 2025, doubling from 2017 levels, according to Gallup.
How NHS Mental Health Care Works:
Emergency Help: If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Urgent NHS Help: Call 111 and select the mental health option for 24/7, free advice.
Planned appointments
GP as First Point of Contact:
For most services, you start by talking to your GP, who can refer you to specialists or NHS Talking Therapies.
Free, evidence-based therapies (like CBT) for anxiety and depression, accessible via GP referral or self-referral in England.
Self-Referral (NHS Talking Therapies): For anxiety and depression, drug/alcohol support for individuals over 18 can directly refer themselves for therapies without seeing a GP.
Children and Young People: Support is available through schools and colleges, or through direct referrals to specialist services.
Severe Mental Illness:
Support is available for serious conditions, including annual health checks for those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis.
Crisis Support: Samaritans can be reached 24/7 by calling 116 123.
Support via Text: Text "SHOUT" to 85258 for 24/7 mental health support.
Hub of Hope: A database to find local mental health charities and support groups.
Mind Infoline: Offers information and support, 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm).
Better Health: Every Mind Matters (NHS)
What is CAMHS?
CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (sometimes people now use the term CYPMHS, which means Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services). It’s:
A set of NHS services across the UK aimed at supporting children and young people (typically up to age 18) who are struggling with their mental health — things like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, behavioural issues or suicidal thoughts. Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust+1
Made up of multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists, psychiatrists, specialist nurses, therapists and support workers. Contact
Free at the point of access and designed to offer assessment, talking therapies, family support, coping strategies and, where needed, medical treatment. Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
In practice, CAMHS often operates as a tiered set of services, with specialist teams addressing only the more moderate-to-severe mental health needs. In contrast, milder needs are supported by lower-level services such as school counselling or local community support. mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk
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