Struggles with anxiety silently tormenting Scotland's populace, as individuals face difficulties managing their mental health issues
In a recent report, the Mental Health Foundation in Scotland has revealed that almost six in ten adults (58%) experienced anxiety that interfered with their daily lives in the previous two weeks. The findings, presented in the report titled "Uncertain Times: Anxiety in the UK and how to tackle it," also highlight that more than one in five people (21%) felt anxious most or all of the time.
The Mental Health Foundation, an organisation dedicated to preventing mental health problems and supporting communities, families, and individuals, is calling for a long-term plan from the Scottish government to prevent mental ill-health. This plan should include action and accountability across government departments, with a focus on addressing the root causes of anxiety, such as housing insecurity and economic instability.
The Mental Health Foundation is urging the Scottish Government to publish a cross-departmental mental health strategy for the next 10 years, complete with a delivery plan that contains commitments on mental health from all departments including social security, housing, communities, education, and criminal justice. The plans should also include ensuring social security benefits cover life's essentials and debt-relief programs.
The call includes urgent action from both the Scottish and UK governments to alleviate the pressures of the rising cost-of-living as part of these preventative plans. One of the most commonly reported causes of anxiety in the past two weeks was being able to afford to pay bills, reported by one-third (33%) of respondents.
The Mental Health Foundation is committed to promoting an anti-racist, inclusive community where everyone can be themselves. They are also releasing evidence-based advice on how to reduce anxiety's toll, as well as offering support through their Mental Health Awareness Week campaign. This year's theme is anxiety, providing an opportunity for people to speak out about their experiences, share support, and find resources.
General recommendations for reducing anxiety levels include economic support, enhancing mental health services, community engagement, education and awareness, and addressing root causes. Specific actions from the Mental Health Foundation would need to be referenced directly from their publications or statements.
Some potential actions could include increasing funding for mental health services, promoting community initiatives, enhancing digital support, and focusing on economic stability. The Mental Health Foundation, being the home of Mental Health Awareness Week, which was first set up in 2001, is hoping that their campaign will give people an opportunity to find the support they need during these challenging times.
References: [1] Scottish Government. (2021). Breathing Space. Retrieved from [2] Scottish Government. (2021). Discretionary Housing Payment. Retrieved from [3] Extra Time Partnership. (n.d.). Retrieved from
- The Mental Health Foundation, an organization dedicated to mental health prevention and support, has revealed that nearly six in ten adults (58%) experienced anxiety that interfered with their daily lives in the past two weeks.
- The Mental Health Foundation is urging the Scottish Government to publish a 10-year cross-departmental mental health strategy with a delivery plan that includes commitments from all departments.
- One of the most commonly reported causes of anxiety in the past two weeks was being able to afford bills, reported by one-third (33%) of respondents, highlighting the need for economic support.
- The Mental Health Foundation is releasing evidence-based advice on reducing anxiety's toll and offering support through their Mental Health Awareness Week campaign, with this year's theme being anxiety to encourage open dialogue.
- General recommendations for reducing anxiety levels include increasing funding for mental health services, promoting community initiatives, enhancing digital support, and focusing on economic stability, as advocated by the Mental Health Foundation.
- The Mental Health Foundation, home to Mental Health Awareness Week which was first set up in 2001, aims for the campaign to provide individuals the support they need during these challenging times.
- Prevention measures in addressing mental health issues should also consider education and awareness, community engagement, and reducing the root causes of anxiety, such as housing insecurity and economic instability, as recommended by the Mental Health Foundation.
