BPS responds to mental health "con" column in the Daily Telegraph

The BPS has responded to a recent column by Annabel Denham in the Daily Telegraph entitled "The mental health con is bankrupting Britain". 

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Dismissing mental health as a "con" is dangerous and misleading (The mental health con is bankrupting Britain (telegraph.co.uk)). Such language is outdated and fails to promote open discussions about mental health or encourage those in need to seek expert advice. We must not minimise the mental health challenges that people face every day. 

Early and effective psychological interventions are a key part of the solution when it comes to getting people back to work. It has been consistently proven that these interventions reduce the long-term financial burden on the NHS, employers, and the wider economy. 

We must shift the dial on this debate rather than downplay the importance of mental well-being. Encouraging the Government to properly fund mental health services, and grow the mental health workforce, so people can get the support they need without long delays would be a good place to start.

Dr Roman Raczka 

President, British Psychological Society, London