New figures reveal that nearly a quarter of Scottish adults are experiencing poor mental health, marking a significant increase from previous years. Experts attribute this rise to soaring living costs and mounting pressure on public services, which have taken a toll on the nation's wellbeing.
Staggering increase in poor mental health
Data from the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) shows that in 2024, 1.1 million Scottish adults—24.6% of the population—were experiencing poor mental health. This number is equivalent to filling Hampden Park 22 times. Compared to 2009, when 16.6% (approximately 720,000 people) reported poor mental health, the figure has risen by around 425,000.
The MHF highlights that financial insecurity, set against a backdrop of austerity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, is the most significant driver of this increase. Those facing economic and social inequality have been hit hardest.
Financial insecurity and inequality
The report found that nearly half of Scottish adults (47%) feel financially insecure, with money worries being a major factor. A widening gap exists between communities: 31% of those in deprived areas report poor mental health, compared to 17% in the least deprived areas.
Dr. Calum MacLeod, policy and public affairs manager at the MHF, said: “The past 15 years have been incredibly challenging for many people. Rising living costs, insecure work and pressure on public services have all taken a toll on people’s wellbeing. Today, the number of people experiencing poor mental health in Scotland could fill Hampden 22 times over. We must take urgent action to address the root causes of this public mental health emergency, or that number will continue to grow.”
Missed commitments and recommendations
While Scotland has seen decreases in childhood poverty and increases in mental health budgets and community initiatives, the charity warns that other commitments have been missed, such as the 2021 pledge to allocate 10% of NHS spending to mental health, with 1% for children and young adults.
Dr. MacLeod added: “While our findings are deeply worrying, these trends can and must be reversed. The importance of preventing poor mental health is now widely recognised, with recent Scottish Government strategies giving it greater prominence. However, investment and implementation have, so far, fallen short of what is needed.”
The MHF has made several recommendations to the Scottish Government, including creating a new £20 million fund for improving mental health and introducing a legal duty to embed preventative action in budgets.
