NHS Urges Nine Million to Seek Talking Therapy Amid Anxiety Rise

Published: 18 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has launched a major new push urging around nine million adults struggling with common mental health conditions to come forward for talking therapies available free on the NHS, amid rising concerns about what officials describe as a growing “anxiety epidemic” affecting everyday life, work and wellbeing. According to NHS England, recent data shows that over 670,000 people accessed talking therapy treatment last year — a rise on pre‑pandemic figures — but estimates suggest that roughly one in five adults in England now has a common mental health condition such as obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder or phobias, and many are missing out on support that could help them recover.

NHS leaders say the campaign aims to tackle persistent misconceptions and stigma about mental health that discourage people from seeking help. New survey results analysed by NHS England found that nearly three in five people delay accessing treatment because they feel their symptoms are “not serious enough”, while one in five do not seek help at all. To change this, the NHS has launched a multi‑platform awareness drive — with adverts across television, online video, radio, digital audio and social media — encouraging self‑referrals for talking therapies via the NHS website without the need for a GP appointment.

The NHS’ National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity emphasised that talking therapies provide practical skills and techniques to manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are central to common mental health struggles. While services have treated significantly more people in recent years, NHS data shows there is still a large gap between those who could benefit and those who actually access care. NHS England reports that most patients referred to talking therapy services are seen within six weeks, and the campaign highlights that anyone experiencing symptoms should consider self‑referral rather than waiting until conditions worsen.

Public figures, including actors and former professional athletes, have joined the push, sharing their experiences with therapy in a bid to reduce stigma and show that people from all walks of life can be affected by mental health conditions. Supporters of the campaign say that normalising therapy and making the process of getting help more visible could lead to more people seeking and completing treatment, thereby reducing long‑term impacts on individuals and wider society.

However, some mental health advocates and professionals note ongoing challenges, such as high dropout rates, waiting times and resource constraints in certain regions. Data from independent analyses has shown that while referrals to NHS talking therapies have increased over time, a significant proportion of people do not complete treatment or see full recovery, and in some areas individuals still face long waits for specialist psychological support.

The NHS drive reflects broader concerns about mental health demand outstripping available services, with experts warning that without adequate investment and public engagement, many millions could continue to struggle without support. NHS officials hope the campaign will not only bring more people into treatment but also prompt earlier intervention that helps individuals maintain their quality of life and participation in work and community activities.

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