Mental health care in crisis: Why help is hard to find

In recent years, mental health conversations have become more open, yet the reality of accessing timely support remains incredibly challenging. A recent report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) highlighted just how stretched services are - urgent adult mental health crisis referrals have doubled in just a year. That’s thousands more people in distress, desperately seeking help, only to find themselves waiting longer than ever.

A struggling system

As counsellors, we speak to people every day who are feeling lost, overwhelmed, and in need of immediate support. The truth is, the demand for mental health care is rising faster than services can keep up with. Professionals working in crisis teams are doing their absolute best, but there just aren’t enough resources to meet the growing need.

It’s heartbreaking to think that people are being discharged from hospital because there simply aren’t enough beds, not because they’re truly ready to leave. The report confirms what we already knew - people are becoming more unwell while waiting for help. That’s not just statistics; that’s real lives affected, real families worrying about their loved ones, and real individuals feeling like they have nowhere to turn.

Why are so many people struggling?

There’s no single cause behind the rising mental health crisis, but several key factors play a role:

• The long shadow of COVID-19 - The pandemic might feel like a distant memory to some, but its mental health impact lingers. Many people are still dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma linked to isolation, grief, and uncertainty.
• Financial pressures - The rising cost of living, job insecurity, and economic worries are taking a toll on people’s mental well-being. It’s hard to focus on mental health when you're constantly stressed about bills or job stability.
• Delays in support - Early intervention is key, yet many people wait months or even years before getting the right help. By the time support is available, they may already be in crisis.

The human impact of delayed support

We see it in our own practice - people feeling like they are being passed from one service to another, left waiting for months, or told they don’t meet the threshold for urgent care even when they feel at breaking point.

We have conversations with individuals who feel hopeless after seeking help and finding themselves on a long waiting list. Some tell us they’re struggling with panic attacks, sleepless nights, and intrusive thoughts but feel dismissed because they aren’t in "immediate danger". This can be incredibly disheartening, leaving individuals feeling dismissed and unsupported.

Improving access to mental health support

While the broader system may take time to change, there are ways to make mental health support more accessible. Many counselling services now offer:

• Flexible support options, including face-to-face and online sessions, to make access easier.
• Quick response counselling, so people don’t have to wait months for their first session.
• A safe space where people feel heard and validated, no matter where they are in their mental health journey.

A call for compassion

This isn’t about pointing fingers or demanding radical change overnight. It’s about recognising that real people - our friends, family members, colleagues - are struggling, and they deserve better. Mental health care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

If you or someone you care about is struggling, please don’t suffer in silence. There are people who want to help, and there is support out there. Sometimes, just reaching out and having a conversation is the first step toward feeling better.