“We’ve Forgotten That Life Can Be Tough”
One recurring theme from respondents was the belief that society may be over-medicalising everyday emotional challenges.
“Life being stressful is not an illness,” one GP said.
Others argued that heartbreak, grief and financial strain are painful but normal human experiences. Some expressed concern that applying diagnostic labels such as anxiety or depression too readily risks diverting limited resources away from people with severe mental illness.
A small number of GPs were more sharply critical, suggesting some patients may be “gaming a system free at the point of use.” However, such comments were in the minority.
Rising Demand, Limited Support
At the same time, many GPs stressed that their biggest concern is not over-diagnosis — but the lack of help available.
According to NHS England data, one in five adults in England reports having a common mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. Among 16–24 year-olds, the figure rises to one in four.
The GPs who responded to the BBC survey identified 19–34 year-olds as the group most in need of support. Many said they are spending far more time on mental health than five years ago.
Three main drivers were cited:
- Patients unable to access timely specialist support
- Practical pressures such as housing, employment and finances affecting mental wellbeing
- Patients seeking diagnoses for what some doctors view as normal life challenges
More than 500 of the 752 GPs said there is rarely or never enough good-quality adult mental health support in their area. Even more — 640 — said they worry about getting young people the help they need.
The Medication Dilemma
One striking finding was how often GPs prescribe antidepressants because alternative support is unavailable.
447 GPs said they “routinely” prescribe medication due to concerns that patients will not receive timely talking therapy or other services.
“I find myself regularly reaching for antidepressants,” one GP said, “which I know may only help short term and won’t help prevent recurrence.”
This raises difficult questions about whether medication is sometimes being used as a substitute for under-resourced psychological support.
Government Review Underway
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ordered an independent review into rising demand for mental health, ADHD and autism services in England.
Earlier comments from Streeting suggesting over-diagnosis were later described by him as “divisive,” with acknowledgement that the issue is more complex than initially framed.
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said GPs face a “difficult balance.”
“We must be careful not to medicalise the full range of normal feelings,” she said, “but equally we must avoid dismissing genuine mental health concerns.”
Meanwhile, mental health charity Mind said there is “no credible evidence” of widespread over-diagnosis and pointed to growing levels of psychological distress nationally.
What This Means for Patients
This debate highlights two truths existing side by side:
- Demand for mental health support is rising.
- Services are struggling to meet that demand.
Whether conditions are over- or under-diagnosed, there is broad agreement that the NHS is not keeping pace with need.
For patients, this can mean:
- Long waits for therapy
- Limited access to specialist assessment
- Greater reliance on medication
- Variation in support depending on location
Where Private Mental Health Cover Fits
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) policies vary significantly in their mental health provision.
Some comprehensive plans include:
- Psychiatric consultations
- A capped number of therapy sessions
- Inpatient mental health treatment for acute episodes
However, policies usually exclude pre-existing conditions and may limit long-term or chronic care.
For patients concerned about access delays — particularly for new conditions — private cover can sometimes provide quicker assessment and therapy. It does not replace NHS crisis care, but it may offer an alternative route for non-urgent specialist support.
👉 If you’d like to see what mental health cover would look like for you, you can request a free, no-obligation quote.
Understanding your options doesn’t mean abandoning the NHS — it simply allows you to plan ahead in a system facing rising demand.
