How common are mental health problems?

Mental health problems are a very common part of life – which is why this is such an important issue. We can all play a part in the fight to end mental health stigma and discrimination. 

• One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives
• At any given time one in six of us will be experiencing a mental health problem
• Estimates vary, but research suggests that 20% of children have a mental health problem in any given year, and about 10% at any one time
• Depression affects one in five older people living in the community and two in five living in care homes
• The UK has one of the highest rates of self-harm in Europe at 400 per 100,000
• 450 million people across the world have a mental health problem
• Around 8-12% of the population experience depression in any given year

For comprehensive information about specific mental health problems, please visit the information sections on the Mind and Rethink websites:

Mind - Information

Rethink - About mental illness