Mental health is about how we all think, feel, behave and function. It is fundamental to achieving a healthy, resilient and thriving population. It underpins healthy lifestyles, physical health, educational attainment, employment and productivity, relationships, community safety and cohesion, and quality of life. Action to improve mental wellbeing will therefore contribute to a wider range of positive outcomes for people and communities, in addition to aiding the prevention of mental illness.
Our mental health is shaped by key factors such as income, housing, employment, education and equality – social determinants of health that are heavily influenced by government policies. Therefore, understanding both the intended and unintended impacts of government policy on mental health is crucial for creating more inclusive and effective policies that foster healthier, more resilient communities.
A mental health policy test is a simple and effective way to do this. One example is a Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment (MWIA), which offers a structured, evidence-based approach to evaluating the effects of a policy on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Developed over ten years by a collaboration of specialists, the MWIA Toolkit has been used on over 1,000 policies, projects and services around the world. It was highlighted as a good practice tool in the UK Mental Health Outcomes Strategy and the European Mental Health in All Policies initiative, 2017.
MWIAs enable policymakers to anticipate and mitigate negative mental health impacts whilst maximising the potential positive outcomes. For example, housing policy significantly affects people’s sense of stability and security, factors which are critical for mental health. Policies that reduce access to affordable housing or increase housing insecurity can elevate rates of anxiety and depression. An MWIA would identify these risks early, guiding policymakers to adapt strategies such as providing affordable housing and support services to improve mental health outcomes.
Mental health difficulties often develop gradually due to environmental, economic or social stresses. For instance, austerity measures or cuts to social welfare can intensify financial and emotional stress, leading to increased rates of mental ill health and substance use. Early intervention is vital to prevent these issues from escalating. One key benefit of MWIAs is their ability to identify mental health risks early, thereby preventing potential crises.
Every government policy affects our mental health, whether positively or negatively. A mental health policy test is therefore not just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s imperative for ensuring that all policies prioritise the long-term wellbeing of the population.
Conducting an MWIA before implementing policies also provides government with crucial insights into how certain groups may be disproportionately affected. Mental health disparities often reflect broader societal inequalities. Marginalised groups including people from racialised communities, the LGBTQ+ community and low-income households are all at higher risk of poor mental health due to systemic barriers and discrimination. MWIAs help ensure that government policies do not widen these disparities by assessing how different groups are affected and addressing impacts on people facing the highest risks.
MWIAs encourage governments to consider the long-term mental health effects of policies beyond their immediate outcomes. For instance, in 2012, the UK Home Office proposed an £18,600 minimum income requirement for sponsoring the visa of partners from non-European Economic Area countries. The initial assessment largely focused on narrow financial impacts. However, a 2023 Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment commissioned by Reunite Families UK, a Community Interest Company supporting families affected by the visa rules, found that the prolonged parental separation that results from a minimum income requirement harms children’s mental health, affecting attachment and emotional bonds during critical early years. This has significant long-term social, emotional and financial implications beyond those of the initial Home Office assessment.
This proactive approach enables policymakers to modify policies to prevent mental ill health and promote wellbeing and resilience – ultimately reducing long-term health and social care costs.
Every government policy affects our mental health, whether positively or negatively. A mental health policy test is therefore not just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s imperative for ensuring that all policies prioritise the long-term wellbeing of the population.
