The Department has not commissioned research on the impact of the economic downturn on levels of demand for mental health services. However, we recognise that there are links between poor mental health and difficult economic circumstances.
Thanks to nine consecutive years of increased spending, mental health services in England are now better prepared than ever before to provide help for people who are affected by the economic downturn. Many more staff, more community mental health services and increased access to psychological therapies have transformed services since 1997. Our New Horizons vision, to be published shortly, will build upon these achievements.