Introduction
Mental Health is something we all have and live with, it can change gradually over a long period of time, or instantaneously depending usually depending on situational, relational, environmental, circumstances, previous, instant, or ongoing trauma.
Because of this it is important that we take care of ourselves and our holistic health day-to-day and week-to-week to prevent the deterioration of our mental health and maintain positive state of mental wellbeing.
Staying socially connected, ensuring we undertake physically active, getting enough rest and good nutrition, whilst limiting things like screen time and other unhealthy behaviours, all contribute to the process.
All these elements and many more contribute to our mental health, and the balance will differ for everyone, and the need can change over time.
Education: what mental health means
Language and definitions:
Mental Health (State)
Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, act, and cope with life. It is not merely the absence of illness but includes the ability to manage stress, build relationships, and function well.
Good mental health involves balancing emotions, resilience, and flourishing in daily life, rather than feeling positive constantly.
Mental wellbeing (Functioning)
Mental well-being is a positive state of mental health, encompassing how we feel, think, and function, rather than merely the absence of mental illness.
It involves feeling content, resilient, having a sense of purpose, and the ability to manage life’s challenges, sometimes referred to as “flourishing”. It is a, “state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential
Mental Illness/ Disorder
Mental illness, or mental health disorders, refers to diagnosable conditions that significantly affect a person’s thinking, emotional state, and behaviour, causing distress or disrupting daily functioning.
These conditions—which include depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia—often impair daily life, work, or relationships and require professional diagnosis, distinguishing them from temporary poor mental health.
Poor Mental Health
Poor mental wellbeing is a state where difficult emotions, thoughts, or behaviours become overwhelming, making it hard to cope with daily life.
It involves persistent sadness, high anxiety, exhaustion, and functional impairment, often acting as a spectrum that can range from low mood to diagnosable mental health conditions
Depression
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder, causing persistent sadness, loss of interest, and emotional/physical symptoms lasting at least two weeks.
It affects how you think, feel, and behave, often leading to trouble functioning in daily life. It is a treatable medical condition, not a sign of weakness or something you can “snap out of”.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, fear, or perceived danger, which presents as feelings of unease, dread, or worry.
This is a normal feeling in moderation, and in rational circumstances. It becomes problematic when it is overwhelming, constant, or interferes with daily life, often causing physical symptoms like heart palpitations, headaches, and trouble sleeping.
Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal ideation, or suicidal thoughts, refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.
It ranges from fleeting, passing thoughts to detailed, active planning. It is not a mental health diagnosis, but rather a symptom of underlying distress, often associated with mental health conditions, trauma, or overwhelming life circumstances.
Self-harm
Self-harm refers to an intentional act of self-poisoning or self-injury, and can include self-neglect, and is an expression of emotional distress.
This includes suicide attempt (some intent to die) and non-suicidal self-injury (no intent to die). In acts where there is little or no suicidal intent, it is thought that people harm themselves to reduce internal tension, communicate distress, or obtain relief from an otherwise overwhelming situation.
There are many professional bodies and abbreviations are used in daily life and within the professional world, use the following link to find out more:
https://mentalhealthresearch.org.uk/jargon-buster/
Some link to COL
MH isn’t alone
What is the prevalence of Common Mental Health Disorders (CMD) in the East Riding of Yorkshire?
Common Mental Health Disorder (CMDs) typically include:
- Depression
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD)
One‑sentence summary:
In East Riding of Yorkshire, common mental health disorders are most prevalent among young adults (around 1 in 4 aged 16–24), decline steadily with age, and affect around 1 in 6 adults overall.
- 1 in 6 adults equates to around 17–18% of population.
- Rates have remained consistently high since 2023, with no evidence of decline
- These are non‑psychotic conditions and represent the largest burden of mental ill health in the community.
CMD prevalence in East Riding has increased steadily since pre-pandemic, plateauing at a high level since 2023, and mirroring national trends, following impacts of COVID‑19, cost-of-living pressures, social isolation and long‑term illness.
How East Riding compares
Age Group Breakdown
Why do younger adults show higher prevalence?
CMD prevalence has risen sharply among people under 35, young adults (16–24) now have the highest rates ever recorded, the East Riding has a larger proportion of older adults than the England average, this pulls down the overall prevalence.
Key takeaway
Since 2023, around one in six adults in East Riding of Yorkshire is estimated to be living with anxiety or depression‑type conditions. East Riding is slightly below the England average but still represents a substantial public health burden. Levels remain persistently high, reinforcing the need for prevention, early intervention, and access to support.
What does this mean?
It means we need to take a stronger focus on prevention from the very beginning. Because CMD prevalence peaks in younger age groups, and is increasing the priority must be prevention on early‑life and working‑age adults. These age groups account for the largest volume of future mental health need
Mental Health versus Mental Wellbeing
Mental health – more clinical / long term
Mental wellbeing – every day, controllable
Prevention
Why prevention?
What is prevention?
Prevention is about stopping something before it takes place, or reducing something from getting worse, including making something better i.e. recovery. In the East Riding we focus on a Primary, Secondary and Tertiary approach to prevention towards mental health.
- Primary prevention: Actions taken to prevent mental health problems before they start by reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors.
- Secondary prevention: Early identification and intervention to stop emerging mental health problems from worsening.
- Tertiary prevention: Ongoing treatment and support to reduce the impact of established mental illness and prevent relapse.
How do we do/look at prevention?
Primary prevention reaches the widest population and has the greatest long‑term impact, Because CMD prevalence peaks in younger age groups this should be the base and foundation of all prevention work which takes place.
Primary Prevention
Primary prevention reaches the widest population and has the greatest long‑term impact, Because CMD prevalence peaks in younger age groups this should be the base and foundation of all prevention work which takes place.
Definition
Preventing mental health problems before they occur
Examples
Mental health education in schools. Anti-stigma campaigns. Workplace wellbeing initiatives. Community Connectivity
Impact
Builds resilience. Reduces incidence of mental illness. Promotes community wellbeing.
Secondary Prevention
Secondary prevention is critical during the years when CMD prevalence is highest and problems first emerge. CMD prevalence begins high in young adulthood and remains elevated through mid‑life. Many people present first symptoms between 16–34
Definition
Early detection and intervention for those at risk or showing
early signs.
Examples
Screening for depression & anxiety. Youth mental health services. GP‑led assessment and NHS Talking Therapies Short‑term psychological interventions
Impact
Prevents escalation. Improves recovery outcomes. Reduces long-term impact.
Tertiary Prevention
Tertiary prevention impacts older working‑age and older adults (45+), although fewer older adults experience CMD, those who do often need more intensive, sustained support.
CMD prevalence declines with age, conditions are more likely to be chronic, mental illness often co‑exists with physical long‑term conditions, heightened risk of isolation, and bereavement.
Definition
Managing existing mental health conditions to prevent relapse and improve quality of life.
Examples
Relapse prevention plans. Supported employment programs. Psychoeducation for families
Impact
Enhances recovery. Reduces hospital admissions. Supports long-term wellbeing.
Prevention Concordat
The Hull and East Riding Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health provides strategic oversight by utilising insight-led approaches through the expertise and capacity of system partners and community voices. The group’s purpose is to influence, promote and develop effective prevention approaches that support positive mental health and address inequalities.
- The Hull and East Riding Prevention Concordat terms of reference can be accessed from this link: terms of reference.
- Their newsletters can be viewed below.
Mental Health Needs Assessment
The East Riding mental health and dementia needs assessment can be viewed and downloaded below.
Further information
- A population mental health approach
- Adult mental health and wellbeing (OHID Fingertips indicator page)
- Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey: Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, England, 2023/24
- Estimated prevalence of severe mental illness in England
- Public mental health: Evidence, practice and commissioning
- Prevention and mental health
- Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health
- Wellbeing and mental health: Applying All Our Health
- What Good Looks Like for Public Mental Health