With countries across the globe marking World Mental Health Day, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson is calling for increased awareness of mental ill health, which affects one in four Londoners and costs the capital an estimated £26 billion each year.
According to a report by the Mayor, around two million Londoners will experience mental ill health this year, which can affect every aspect of life, from family relationships, to the ability to work and cope at school or college. Stigma and prejudice can make people reluctant to come forward or seek support. As a result, mental illnesses have drastically lower rates of diagnosis, and are treated less often and less effectively than other diseases.
Mental ill health is the single largest source of health burden, above even cancer and cardiovascular disease, with costs extending well beyond health and social care. The Mayor's Office has identified it as a priority issue and it is likely to be a key concern in the report published next week by the London Health Commission, which the Mayor set up as an independent review of health services in the capital and is chaired by Lord Ara Darzi.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "Mental ill health is an issue that affects millions of Londoners, yet we are too often frightened to discuss it, worried about what people might think, or unaware of who to turn to. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to bolster awareness of this issue amongst businesses, schools, colleges and Londoners in general, to help break down the oppressive social barriers that exist around mental ill health and get people the help and support they urgently need."
City Hall today hosted an event in conjunction with the Mental Health Foundation and SANE, looking at the impact mental ill health has had on individuals and discussing what needs to be done. The Deputy Mayor of London Victoria Borwick hosted the event, which was attended by Londoners with experience of mental ill health and representatives from relevant charities.
Victoria Borwick said: "Today is about speaking up and getting comfortable with talking about mental health. We have heard from people with experience about what it means to live with mental ill health, and we as Londoners need to work together to keep the discussion going and ensure no one is left to suffer in silence."
Jenny Edwards CBE, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: "We are delighted that the Mayor is making the mental health of Londoners a priority. For London's employers, the message is that looking after their employees' mental health is good for business and good for talent.
And by ensuring that mental health is actively on the agenda in all London schools, it will help young people grow up being aware of their own mental health and resilience, creating a healthy and prosperous London for the future."
Marjorie Wallace CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of SANE, said: "People are still embarrassed to talk about mental illness, and there is still a culture of blame and shame. That is why we launched our Black Dog campaign, so that people passing by can see a visible symbol of their inner, darker feelings. It's easier to say 'I've had a Black Dog day or week' than it is to say 'I've had anxiety or depression'."
