Mental Health Statistics
10th October each year is World Mental Health Day.
What follows are a selection of statistics from the Mental Health Foundation. The aim of this is not to shock or sensationalise issues around mental illnesses: this is merely information. Put simply, the Church, along with society, has arguably been fairly ignorant of this reality. How we deal with it is a matter of discussion and openness, but no longer can the Church sit still.
- 1 in 4 people will be affected by mental illness.
- As of 2015, it is estimated that more than 725,000 people suffer from eating disorders in the U.K.
- 6,581 suicides in the UK and Republic of Ireland, in 2014.
- Since the good Friday agreement, it is reported that there has been more deaths by suicide than were killed in the troubles.
- 13% of young people may try to hurt themselves on purpose at some point between the ages of 11 and 16, but the actual figure could be much higher.
- 8.2 million cases of anxiety in the UK
