I welcome the opportunity to contribute in this debate. I certainly have no hesitation whatsoever in supporting all nine amendments to this motion today. Today’s debate on mental health looks at an issue that can affect any member of our society, from the very wealthy to those living in poverty, male or female, young or old. Our mental health is not static and it certainly does not discriminate. Those who have been well all of their lives can suddenly find that a turn of events or a change in circumstances can affect their own mental health wellbeing. It can show itself in a variety of manners, from depression or mild anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder and/or severe psychotic problems. Minister, I have to say that probably one of the hardest jobs for me as an Assembly Member has been when someone has presented and I find them, quite literally, crying out for help, for support, and yet feeling, you know, that nothing can be done.
The results from the 2013 Welsh health survey highlight how mental health problems are increasing. In 2013, although 12% of adults who reported were treated for a mental illness—which is up from 9% in 2003-04—for every patient diagnosed, there will be many more who remain undetected. The overall cost of mental health issues in Wales is an estimated £7.2 billion a year. Therefore, the scale of the issue cannot be ignored, yet many of those suffering do feel that they are being ignored. I ask the Minister this question, which has been asked of me by someone who works in the mental health profession: why do they feel that mental health services are outside of, and not included in, waiting time targets?
Moving on, a report from Gofal highlights some worrying facts about mental health services in Wales. It found that 34.7% of patients had to wait longer than two months to access support services, with over 23% waiting more than four months. I actually know, again, of instances where the norm has not been 26 weeks, but longer, at 18 months—with mental health practitioners having people waiting 18 months. The same report found that some GPs were hesitant to refer patients because of the associated waiting times. This is affecting people’s health. Gofal found that those waiting more than four weeks were less likely to feel that their mental health was improving after accessing services. Given the importance of quick treatment, it is extremely concerning that the number of children waiting more than 14 weeks has soared by more than 300% in the 12 months up to January this year from the previous period. Gofal also found that, overall, over 50% of respondents did not feel that they had accessed the services they needed, and that this figure for treatment had declined from 2012. Much more certainly needs to be done, and it is only the Welsh Government that has the overall responsibility to ensure that this happens.
Our older population is often overlooked. Just last week, we witnessed the events marking the anniversary of the D-Day landings, highlighting the value of older members of our society and the role that they have played in creating and securing our society. As our society ages, we face an ever-increasing problem with dementia. In Wales, in 2013, it was estimated that over 45,000 people suffered from dementia, yet only 38.8% of them were diagnosed. This compares to a diagnosis rate of 48% in England and 63% in Northern Ireland. How are we getting it so wrong compared to other parts of the UK?
It is not just dementia that is affecting our elderly population, with Age Cymru reporting that 75% of people over the age of 65 in Wales describe themselves as nearly or always lonely. This can have serious implications for a person’s mental health. Our older generation deserves better: better diagnosis, better care, and better support.
In finishing, I would like to reiterate just how anyone can be affected by a mental health condition at any time. I wonder how many people in Wales today are silently suffering as we participate in this debate. Mental health conditions can affect, and be affected by, a whole range of other factors, as the figures highlight that this is a growing problem that needs constant vigilance and targeted and structured support. Minister, I urge you to do this.
