The Reality of Mental Health in the UK

According to Mind UK, 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress-related disorders are among the most prevalent, affecting millions across all age groups.

• Over 8 million people in the UK experience an anxiety disorder at any one time.
• Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and in the UK, it’s estimated that around 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety or depression) in any given week.
• The economic cost of mental ill-health to the UK is estimated to be £105 billion annually, reflecting not only the strain on services but also its impact on individuals’ work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
• A Mamedica commissioned survey found that 43% of UK adults say they have been living with severe anxiety for years without finding a remedy that helps, highlighting the urgent need for more effective, personalised approaches to care.

Daily Life with Mental Health Challenges

Mental health issues can affect everything, from getting out of bed in the morning to maintaining a job, social life, or healthy relationships. People often experience:

• Sleep problems and fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Low self-esteem or hopelessness
• Panic attacks or chronic worry

Despite increased awareness, stigma and a lack of access to timely, effective treatment still leave many struggling in silence.

How Medical Cannabis May Help

Medical cannabis is emerging as a potential therapeutic option for individuals with mental health conditions, especially where conventional treatments haven’t worked or caused intolerable side effects.

So, how can it help?

Cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress response, and sleep.

Here’s how medical cannabis is supporting mental health:

• Anxiety & Stress: Studies suggest that CBD may help reduce anxiety levels by promoting relaxation. Some patients find relief from social anxiety or generalised anxiety disorder with cannabis-based treatment.
• Depression: Some patients report improved mood, motivation, and sleep when using strains high in CBD or balanced in THC/CBD under medical supervision.
• PTSD: Medical cannabis has shown promise in reducing nightmares, flashbacks, and hyperarousal symptoms in people living with PTSD, including military veterans and trauma survivors.
• Insomnia: Many people with mental health issues experience sleep disruption. Cannabis, particularly THC, may help improve sleep onset and duration for some patients.

A Safe, Regulated Approach

In the UK, patients with qualifying conditions can access medical cannabis through specialist clinics, like Mamedica. For those on benefits or low income, our access scheme exists to make consultations more affordable.

If you’re considering this treatment, speaking with a registered clinic like Mamedica and your GP is the best starting point. Transparency is key, especially when it comes to workplace responsibilities and existing prescriptions.

You’re Not Alone – Talk About It

One of the most powerful steps toward healing is talking. Whether it is with a friend, a family member, a therapist, or a support group, sharing what you’re going through can make a world of difference. Many people suffer in silence out of fear of judgment, but mental health struggles are more common than most of us realise.

• Check in on loved ones
• Be honest about how you’re feeling
• Seek help early, whether it’s therapy, lifestyle changes, or alternative treatments like medical cannabis

No one should suffer alone, and no one should feel ashamed for seeking support.

How We Can Help Support You

Mental health matters every day, and new forms of support, like medical cannabis, are helping to broaden both the conversation and the treatment options available. At Mamedica, our personalised approach and consistent support mean that patients aren’t just heard, they’re guided through a tailored treatment plan. Whether you’re exploring treatment for yourself or someone you care about, remember that help is out there, and you deserve to feel your best.