The economic case for investing in the prevention of mental health conditions in the UK

The economic case for investing in the prevention of mental health conditions in the UK This report estimates that mental health problems cost the UK economy at least £117.9 billion annually in 2019 — approximately five per cent of the UK’s GDP. Almost three quarters of the cost (72 per cent) is due to the lost productivity of people living with mental health conditions and costs incurred by unpaid informal carers who take on a great deal of responsibility in providing mental health support in our communities. The report, produced together with the London School of Economics and Political Science, makes the case for a prevention-based approach to mental health which would both improve mental wellbeing while reducing the economic costs of poor mental health. Mental Health Foundation