Weekly Economics Podcast: Is the economy damaging our mental health?

This Thursday is Time To Talk Day, a day meant to encourage people to talk about mental health.

In the UK, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. And according to the latest stats, one in eight young people have a mental health problem. One big problem is access to treatment. Mental health services are underfunded, leaving many people stuck on waiting lists.

But what are the wider social and economic factors that are causing poor mental health in the first place? Is the economy itself damaging our mental health? Is modern life making us sick?

Ayeisha Thomas-Smith talks to Hana Riaz, who is researching the impact of gentrification on mental health, NEF organiser Becki Winson, and our wellbeing researcher Annie Quick.

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If you, or someone you know, have been affected by mental health issues, the following organisations may be able to help:

• The Mental Health Foundation provides a guide to Mental Health problems, topical issues and treatment options via their website. www​.men​tal​health​.org​.uk/
• Mind provides advice and support on a range of topics including types of mental health problem, legislation and details of local help and support in England and Wales. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (weekdays 9am — 6pm) www​.mind​.org​.uk/ 
  
• YoungMinds offers information, support and advice for children and young people. Help for concerned parents of those under 25 is offered by phone.
  Phone: 0808 802 5544 (Mon – Fri 9.30am-4pm) www​.young​minds​.org​.uk/
• Inspire (Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health) provides local services to support the mental health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland. Phone: 028 9032 8474 www​.inspirewell​be​ing​.org/
  
• SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) can provide general mental health information and signpost you to your local services.
  Phone: 0141 530 1000 (Mon-Fri 9 – 5) www​.samh​.org​.uk/
• Community Advice & Listening Line offers emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales. Phone: 0800 132 737 (24/​7) or text ​“help” to 81066 www​.call​helpline​.org​.uk/

Image: Newscast Online/​Time to Change