The Big Mental Health Report 2025

Mental health in the UK is at a crossroads.

It’s no secret that the number of people struggling with their mental health is rising fast. Most of us either live with a mental health problem or know someone who does. And the data backs this up – common mental health problems, like anxiety and depression, are increasing. It’s clear that mental health no longer exists in the dark, with more people than ever speaking openly about their mental health – in families, workplaces, communities, and even on the biggest public stages.

So why, despite this common experience and an increased openness in talking about it, are we still struggling to fix the challenges within mental health?
In part, this is down to a paradoxical increase in cynicism about mental health. Young people’s experiences in particular are questioned, with claims of overdiagnosis and a lack of resilience. This narrative risks undoing decades of progress. But many of you reading this have the power to change things – to prevent more people from becoming unwell and to make sure those who need help get it. 

As public and government scepticism persists, the problem deepens. That’s why this report is more than research – it’s a rallying call. We cannot allow mental health to become a victim of society’s culture wars. We must protect the progress we’ve made in bringing it out of the shadows. That starts with the facts – and the Big Mental Health Report delivers them. This is an annual snapshot of the actual state of mental health in England and Wales, showing what’s working and where urgent change is needed. No spin, no fake news, no culture wars.

In the past year, we’ve seen welcome progress. In England, the Government is close to passing a long-overdue reform of the Mental Health Act and has published a 10-Year Health Plan which includes a series of mental health commitments. In Wales, a groundbreaking 10-year mental health and wellbeing strategy puts early, holistic support front and centre.
But progress is too slow. Too many people are getting ill. Too many are stuck on waiting lists without the care they urgently need.

The UK Government says mental health should be treated as an equal priority to physical health, but that promise must be backed by action. This starts with a conversation that recognises the scale of the problem, leads with compassion for those who are struggling right now, and ensures timely, quality care for all at its core. Because behind every statistic in this report is a real person – and friends, families and communities doing everything they can to help them navigate a complex, overstretched system.

Good mental health is not a “nice to have” – it’s the foundation for a healthy, thriving society. It keeps people in work, builds strong communities, and supports good physical health. We hear these stories every day in our shops, in communities across England and Wales and see the impact of life-changing mental health support first-hand through our network of nearly 100 local Minds.  

Now is the moment to come together for better mental health. Whether you’re a campaigner, service provider, policymaker, or simply someone who cares, we hope this report arms you with the insight and evidence to demand better – and to act.