Mental Health: The Unspoken Crisis

Mental health is one of the great unspoken crises of our time. While many people suffer silently, the ripple effects hit families, communities, businesses, and society at large. This article examines prevalence, challenges, and societal impacts, supported by up-to-date data, and discusses how organisations like B8TS can help address the gaps.

Prevalence and Key Trends

· Globally, around 970 million people were living with a mental disorder in 2019, with anxiety and depression among the most common.

· Mental disorders are estimated to account for about 12% of the global population, and these conditions constitute roughly 5% of global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

· According to the WHO, many countries still spend a very low proportion of their health budgets on mental health: global median government spending on mental health remains around 2% of total health budgets.

· In England, NHS surveys show rising rates of common mental health conditions among young people: among 16–24 year-olds, prevalence increased from about 18.9% in 2014 to 25.8% in 2024, with young men under-reporting compared to women.

Challenges: Stigma, Access, and Social Barriers

Stigma and Under-reporting

· Many people do not seek help due to stigma, fear of being judged, or feeling weak. Under-reporting is especially pronounced in men.

· Cultural expectations of “being strong” or self-reliant often deter men from talking about stress, anxiety, or depression.

Access to Care

· In many low‐ and middle-income countries, fewer than 10% of people with serious mental health conditions receive needed care.

· Even in higher-income settings, waiting times for mental health services remain long, and many people fall through the cracks due to lack of resources, public awareness, or insurance.

Societal & Economic Impacts

· Untreated mental health issues affect productivity, lead to workplace absenteeism, and are associated with increased healthcare costs.

· People with severe mental illness live 10-20 years shorter lives on average. The economic loss due to mental illness from lower productivity and increased healthcare is enormous and growing.

B8TS’s Role in Addressing the Crisis

· Safe Spaces & Men’s Circles: B8TS provides spaces where men can share without judgment. Regular circles help reduce isolation and allow emotional expression.

·  Awareness & Education: Workshops, talks, digital content to reduce stigma and help men recognise symptoms in themselves and others.

·  Partnership with Employers: Helping companies embed mental health support, build policies, manager training so that men at work can talk and get support.

·  Early Intervention: Encouraging help-seeking before problems escalate through peer support, community networks, and signposting to professional care.

Conclusion

The unspoken crisis of mental health demands urgent action. With increasing prevalence, low access, and strong stigma, many suffer in silence. Organisations like B8TS are crucial for breaking barriers and supporting men in meaningful ways.