Why our politicians must declare a mental health emergency
Most people don't know these statistics – perhaps we would rather not know.
But we need to face up to this mental health emergency as only then can we start to recover.
We're using the lead-up to next year's Scottish Election to go public with our concerns. This week we launched our manifesto, a passionate plea to politicians and voters at this time of both crisis and opportunity.
We gathered contributions from a remarkable number of our 1,500 colleagues – this is the authentic voice of our College.
We're not a trade union but a professional body of senior medical doctors which promotes and hallmarks high standards to keep patients safe.
We speak out for some of the most vulnerable members of society and have the experience and skills to advise on Scotland's mental health emergency.
As psychiatrists we treat people who suffer from serious and complex mental conditions. We use both biological treatments which are usually medications and psychological approaches, such as talking therapies.
Above all our work takes place within trusting, confidential relationships.
This takes time and enough staff. Not everything is about money but shrinking finances and further unfair cuts make our work impossible.
Listening to the expertise of our senior doctors will help ensure that every pound spent on mental health care goes to where it can do most good.
The percentage of Scots reporting mental health conditions more than doubled and increased six-fold in young people between 2011 and 2022.
When the current government came to power, psychiatry was already a 'Cinderella' service with only 9% of the frontline medical budget.
This government promised to deliver 10% with a further 1% for Child and Adolescent Services. By 2022/23 the spend was down to 8.53% – a £238.5 million shortfall.
We lost 22% of the permanent psychiatric workforce between 2014 and 2024. One in four consultant posts are vacant or filled by locums.
Delivering that 10% funding promise could do much in this crisis. A comprehensive plan for people with neurodiverse conditions is essential too – as they are currently not counted on waiting lists. Adults may not even have access to a list.
Members and trainees on the frontline of practice tell us their energy and idealism are giving way to burnout and 'moral injury'' – guilt that inadequate resources prevent us from giving patients what they need to recover and live full lives.
These patients are often unable to advocate for their own treatment. Their lives are significantly shortened – their chronic suffering wastes potential and damages society in every way.
The Scottish Government presents a positive spin but when we properly analyse the data, the picture is much more concerning.
We call on all those in power to declare a mental health emergency. Then we can all work together to start saving lives.
Dr Jane Morris, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland
Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk
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