Mental health as important as physical health for Britons, but hope for scientific advancements is undermined by waiting lists

Most Britons say mental health is as important as physical health.
There is strong backing for early intervention to help people with mental health problems, rather than focusing on the most severe cases.
People are hopeful about the potential of science and innovation, but this hope depends on seeing real improvements in service provision.
Young women are by far the most likely group to report mental health issues.

Mental health is a shared concern, rather than a culture wars issue, according to new research from More in Common, commissioned by Wellcome, a global health foundation.

This research into British public attitudes comes ahead of the release of the Independent Review into Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism, expected to be published in September. The review will make recommendations to the government on mental health services. The government is expected to publish its new mental health strategy later in the Autumn.

The research from More in Common was conducted in late 2025- early 2026. It involved a national poll of 4,000 British adults and seven focus groups.

The people surveyed were representative of More in Common’s Seven Segments of Britain, which looks at the societal values that act as dividing lines in modern Britain.

Britain cares about mental health, across the political spectrum

73% of Britons say mental health is as important as physical health, and 77% say they would feel comfortable if a friend opened up to them.
People are almost three times more likely to say mental health conversations reflect genuine concern than to say they are an excuse (by 63 to 22%).
There is broad backing for intervening early to help people, more action, and a prevention-first approach to mental health. 81% say support should come early in a person’s mental health journey rather than focusing only on the most severe cases.
Support for early intervention stretches across every constituency in Britain. It passes Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s “Makerfield Test” which looks at how measures would affect post-industrial communities. In each of the main party leaders’ home constituencies, at least 79% of residents believe in early intervention – Makerfield (Labour); Clacton (Reform); North West Essex (Conservative); Kingston and Surbiton (Liberal Democrat.)
Even among More in Common’s Traditional Conservatives, “snowflake” narratives are in the minority. Only a third believe that people often use mental health as an excuse, and seven in ten say they’d feel comfortable if a friend opened up to them about mental health.

Hopeful about science, sceptical about waiting lists

Britons are twice as likely to think that the coming years will deliver scientific advancements that will improve the lives of those with mental health issues than not (by 65 to 35 per cent), but many in focus groups commented that patients would not be able to access these advances, because they’d be stuck on waiting lists.

Mental health varies across age groups and gender

37% of Gen Z Britons say they have experienced a mental health issue, dropping to 16% of Baby Boomers (60-75) and just 6% of those over the age of 75.
Women are more likely to report experiencing mental health issues than men (31% compared with 26%).
This gap widens among younger Britons: Gen Z women are by far the most likely group to report mental health issues, yet self-reported prevalence among Gen Z men is no higher than among Millennial or Gen X men.

Paul Spencer, Head of Policy for Mental Health at Wellcome, said: “It is very encouraging to see how much the British public cares about mental health. Across the political spectrum, they want to see people receiving help as early as possible, long before they reach crisis point. Most people do not believe in the ‘snowflake’ narrative.

“Researchers are developing innovative and more personalised ways of helping people, from digital tools to medicines and psychological and social support. The government has a strong mandate to make sure these are evaluated and made accessible across the NHS.”

Brian Dow, Head On Chair and Chief Executive of Mental Health UK, said: “There is unlikely to be a family in this country that has not been affected by mental ill-health in some way. So, it is no surprise that the vast majority of people recognise that mental health is a crucial issue, which is just as important as physical health, and that stronger action is needed to intervene early and prevent crisis. Mental health is not an issue that divides us. In fact, as this research shows, it is something that unites people across different parts of society and speaks to the sense of fairness that Britons value.

"It’s hugely encouraging to hear the new Prime Minister talking and prioritising mental health early in his tenure. We hope these findings provide further encouragement as ministers look to improve access to support and boost the nation's mental health in the months and years ahead."

Luke Tryl, UK Director at More in Common, said: “Mental health is an issue where there's real public consensus, but people now want to see that translated into action from leaders. Most Britons - across voter groups and each of our Seven Segments - believe mental health matters as much as physical health. And the stigma does seem to be lifting: nearly four in five would feel comfortable if a friend opened up to them, and in focus groups people describe regular check-ins with friends at the pub, or opening up about mental health with family. That is a testament to the work already done to dispel stigma.

“Britons are cautiously hopeful that social and scientific progress will mean better lives for people living with mental health problems. What undermines that optimism is struggling services: many describe endless waiting lists, confusing referral systems and seeing loved ones let down. Unless mental health services improve, we risk losing public hope for the future, which is why three-quarters of Britons say more should be done to improve mental health services, and why we find widespread support for the government's move toward early intervention and prevention.”