By Alfie Robinson

Scotland’s mental health crisis has intensified in 2025, and the ever-present effects of Covid-19 combined with rising economic material and societal pressures, have had lasting ramifications on people’s mental well-being and the opportunities for support. With services being pushed to their limit as demand skyrockets, it is evident more needs to be done from a governmental level.

Recent data depicts a troubling reality. According to the Public Health Scotland, mental health referrals have increased by 22% over the past year and based on the Scottish Government’s latest statistics, more than a third of GP consultations are now related to mental health conditions. The rise in anxiety, depression and stress-related conditions is unparalleled, yet not surprising given the societal climate post the pandemic.

However, what is surprising, or rather shocking, is the Scottish Government’s decision to cut mental health funding from £290 million to £270 million in 2024. A perplexing outcome considering the prevalence of this issue over the past four years, and affirmation that it is not a priority for our leaders. This is only more worrisome when you consider that one in four adults in Scotland experience health issues annually according to the latest Scottish Health Survey numbers, a significant increase from recent years.

Shouts from experts for Scotland to act urgently have grown louder. For example Billy Watson, chief executive of Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), said he was ‘shocked’ to see a disproportionate cut in funding for mental health services. An inevitable reaction bearing in mind the strain already on that sector and given the many experts commenting on the chronically neglected Scottish mental health services preceded this considerable downsize, further illustrating the short-sightedness of this decision.

Often, as Scots we like to dissociate our own parliamentary practices from that of the larger UK government, in many cases rightfully so. For example, the issue of climate change where the strides shown in Scotland are incomparable to the UK’s hands-off approach. Despite that reality, our leading institutions do not have the right to sanctimoniously preach about progressive culture while being dramatically outpaced by the rest of our union. The British Psychological Society (BPS) reported that in the 2021 election manifesto, SNP pledged to spend 10% of the total NHS budget on mental health to combat the problem. That figure currently stands at 8.8% meaning a shortfall of £180 million each year on top of the £30 million cut for the years 2024-2025, in spite of experts pleading for Scotland to fulfil its promise, or risk catastrophe. Does this seem like a party invested in the mental welfare of their citizens?

Charity Mental Health foundation indicates that the crisis is particularly severe among young people. They report that more than 20% of children aged eight to 16 have experienced mental health problems in the past year, a bewildering figure that reflects both the increasing social isolation among youth, and the long-term effects of the pandemic. Once again, this points upwards towards the institutions and individuals leading our nation. A cut in funding represents a lack of understanding that young people are the future, and their health is imperative to a sustainable and flourishing society. And with 70% of children and adolescents who experience mental health problems not having appropriate treatment at a sufficiently early age, early intervention is key. Wealth inequality is a major factor in all societal issues, and its ugly head is certainly reared in this instance with children and young people living in households falling behind on bills twice as likely to experience mental health conditions.

Regardless of the ever-increasing demand for mental health services, access to care remains a critical barrier. The Royal College of Psychiatrists (ROP) report in 2023, shows that only 80% of patients were referred for therapy within the 18-week timeframe, 10% less than the target. It seems that the blame for this once again falls mainly with the government as 15% of mental health professional roles are unfilled, largely due to 70% of psychiatrists experiencing burnout due to high workloads and insufficient staffing according to the ROP’s 2023 survey.

Stigma around mental health remains a significant part of the issue in Scotland, as YouGov reports that 30% of Scots don't seek professional help for their mental health through fear of judgement and discrimination, and 62% saying they've never received therapy. While the Scottish government has made genuine efforts to reduce stigma through community campaigns and initiatives like SAMHS or Distress Brief Intervention (DBI), based on the figures much more needs to be done to normalise mental health conversations and make individuals feel comfortable accessing care.

To address Scotland's mental health crisis the government must take immediate and sustained action and follow through on the promises made in 2021. They must increase funding for mental health services, ensuring that it is allocated competently to meet the growing demand. Experts agree that the current funding will lead to disastrous outcomes, and an annual investment of at least £350 million is needed to catch up to the rest of the UK and provide the requisite support to those in need. Secondly, Scotland must tackle the workforce crisis by prioritising the recruitment and retention of mental health professionals to avoid burnout. And finally, the Government must continue to invest in early intervention and prevention especially within schools and community-based initiatives to allow for children to freely express their struggle, normalising that type of conversation while also opening avenues for better support. Expanding access to mental health care and reducing stigma will make the process of seeking help easier for people when they are most in need.

The mental health crisis will be a challenge for the Scottish Government in 2025, but it is also an opportunity to show a willingness to act, just as they did with the climate change crisis. It is a chance for Scotland to make transformative changes that will benefit the present and future generations. By increasing funding, improving access to care, removing barriers and focusing on early intervention, Scotland can turn the tide and provide a more sustainable, effective mental healthcare system.

Scotland’s mental health crisis continues while government cuts funding