In the last 18 months I’ve found myself having to respond to claims that mental health culture has gone too far, that we’re over-diagnosing mental health problems and that we’re simply medicalising the ups and downs of life. I hope the children’s commissioner’s report (Children in England ‘living in almost Dickensian levels of poverty’, 8 July) is a moment for everyone to reflect on what the “ups and downs” of life look like for too many young people: going without food, cold and mouldy homes, and not feeling safe in the area you live.
There is a toxic relationship between poverty and mental health. A fact reinforced by the latest NHS data, showing that mental health problems among adults are at record levels, with people in the most deprived areas hardest hit.
As the report itself cites, young people are understandably concerned about waits for mental health treatment. And with good reason – 35,000 young people have been waiting for more than two years for mental health support. Tackling mental health waiting lists and drivers of poor mental health must now be a priority for this government.
Dr Sarah Hughes
CEO, Mind
Many readers must have been shocked by the report that children in the UK are living in “almost Dickensian levels of poverty”. Abolishing the two-child limit on benefits would lift many out of poverty. The cost of doing this has been estimated by the Resolution Foundation as £3.5bn. This may seem a lot. However, every year £23bn of benefits go unclaimed, according to Policy in Practice. Why not use this money? It would benefit the children, their families and the places in which they live.
Jan Pahl
Professor emeritus of social policy, University of Kent