Mental health 'affects every aspect of people's lives'

Mental health affects every aspect of a person's life, according to Mind.

The organisation was responding to a speech made by leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, who stated mental health costs Britain's businesses almost £8.5 billion in sickness absence each year.

He explained it costs £2.5 billion in replacing staff who are unable to continue at work.

Chief executive of Mind Paul Farmer called for a proper commitment from all areas of society to address the inequalities faced by people with mental health problems.

"Despite improvements, access to therapies for mental health problems is still patchy, in a way that would be unacceptable for physical health problems," he said.

Mr Farmer added better access to talking therapies is needed, while waiting times have to come down and individuals must be able to choose the treatment that is right for them at the time that they need it.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.