1.6 million people are on a waiting list for NHS mental health treatment
There are now 12 times as many people waiting 18 months for mental health treatment than for physical health.
Our new report, Right Treatment, Right Time, surveyed people severely affected by mental illness to uncover the true cost of long delays:
- 3 in 4 told us they did not receive the right treatment at the right time.
- 1 in 5 had to give up work while waiting for their treatment.
- 83% said their mental health deteriorated while waiting. 1 in 3 of these people attempted suicide.
The government must work with the NHS on a plan to prioritise faster access to mental health support.
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I received no help at all until it was too late. My psychosis was full-on, and an attempted suicide was the only thing that got me help.