The current mental health crisis within the NHS is something you’ll likely encounter during your future training and your professional career. As part of your medical school application, it is important to be aware of these challenges as they may be discussed during your medical school interviews. Practicing these topics with your 1:1 tutor through our coaching programme will ensure you are up to date and confident in your medical school interviews.

A National Emergency

The mental health crisis in the UK is a growing concern. Mental health services across the NHS are overwhelmed, with record numbers of people seeking help for mental health problems. It’s estimated that one in four people in the UK will experience some form of mental health problem in their lifetime. The demand for these services unfortunately outweigh the resources available. Waiting lists are longer than ever, and many people are not able to access the care they need in a timely manner. This crisis is exacerbated by underfunding, staff shortages and the growing complexity of mental health conditions, with many patients requiring specialist care that isn’t available. The reality is that mental health services often operate under immense pressure, and this is affecting both patient care and healthcare professionals.

Key Challenges

1. Underfunding and lack of resources

Despite growing awareness about mental health, funding for mental health services has not kept pace with the increase in demand. As a result, patients often face long waiting times to receive care, or in some cases, they don’t receive the help they need at all.

1. Staff shortages and burnout

Staff shortages have become a widespread issue, and those working in mental health often face burnout due to high workloads, emotional strain, and the intensity of their work. Mental health professionals are essential in the fight to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, but they need support themselves to continue offering quality care.

1. The stigma around mental health

Despite significant progress in reducing stigma, mental health conditions are still not talked about openly in some communities. This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help in the first place or can lead to delays in treatment, making conditions worse.

1. Children and young people

Early intervention is crucial for mental health issues, yet many young people are facing long waits for treatment. The rise in conditions such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm in young people, combined with inadequate mental health support, has become one of the most urgent issues in healthcare.

1. The impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating and long-lasting impact on the mental health of the nation, exacerbating existing challenges in the NHS. During the pandemic, many non-COVID-related health services including mental health services were paused or delayed. Face-to-face therapy sessions and routine mental health assessments were often postponed. This caused an issue as more people were experiencing mental health issues than before. Staff were also impacted by this, with a high level of stress and burnout occurring due to the overwhelming pressures of the pandemic.

How this could be tested at interviews

In your medical school interviews, it’s likely that you’ll be asked questions that test your understanding of the current challenges facing the NHS, including the mental health crisis. Interviewers want to know that you are aware of the pressures on the healthcare system and that you understand the implications of these issues, not just for patients, but for healthcare professionals as well.

Potential Interview Questions:

What are your thoughts on the current mental health crisis in the NHS?

How do you think the NHS could better address the growing demand for mental health services?

What role do you think doctors should play in addressing the mental health crisis?

It is important to answer these questions using the key qualities of a doctor:

1. Education and awareness of the topic – showing understanding of the mental health crisis will show that you are not only passionate about medicine but also aware of the current issues that affect patient care.
2. Communication skills – practice articulating the main issues talked about in this article, as well as some practical solutions you could discuss.
3. Empathy and compassion – show that you understand how mental health issues affect people’s lives and that you are compassionate about providing care in these situations.
4. Commitment to lifelong learning – discussing this crisis, along with other hot-topics as explained in this blog will show that you are willing to engage with current issues and stay up-to-date with learning.

The mental health crisis in the NHS is one of the most pressing issues facing the healthcare system today. Understanding this challenge will not only prepare you for medical school interviews but also help you become a more compassionate and informed doctor. Good luck in your application an keep learning!

Written by Ellie Zelisko