Mental health

Please note: The data in “demographics and trends” has been recently updated in preparation for the population assessment update taking place over the next year. The remainder of this page will be updated when the population assessment is published on 1 April 2022.

Overview and key messages

• According to the Mental Health Foundation (2015) in any year one in four of us experience a mental health problem, yet three quarters of people with mental health problems receive no treatment.
• Many of us will require support with respect to our mental health throughout our lives whether this is low intensity support for difficulties such as low level anxiety / depression or longer term support.
• Mental illness can develop from a number of factors including social traumas, illegal drug use and genetic predisposition. Mental health does not discriminate and can affect anyone often leading to debilitating conditions.
• Early intervention is crucial and this can take the form of providing information or referral to community or third sector services. Admissions to inpatient services may occur in extreme situations, where the individual cannot be treated in the community and presents a risk to themselves and / or others.
• It has been estimated that the economic and social costs of mental health problems in Wales is estimated to be £7billion a year (Cyhlarova, 2010).
• In 2015-16, the Welsh Government ring-fenced £587m for mental health services across Wales – up from £389m in 2009-10. Earlier this year, Government announced an additional £15m of new funding is being made available for mental health services in Wales every year.

Demographics and trends

• Current data shows that in Ceredigion there are currently 6,192 women, and 3,616 men, with common mental disorders. By 2043, projections show that there will be a small decrease, with 5,868 women, and 3,243 men, living with common mental disorders. In Pembrokeshire, data shows that there are 10,425 women, and 6,276 men with common mental disorders. Current 2043 projections show a slight increase, with 10,492 women, and 6,384 men with common mental disorders. In Carmarthenshire, there are currently 15,845 women, and 9,498 men, with common mental disorders. Current projections show a slight increase by 2043, with an expected 16,378 women, and 9,544 men with common mental disorders.
• Data shows that there are 375 women and 1,058 men with an antisocial personality disorder in Ceredigion. Projections show a reduction in these numbers by 2043, with 342 women and 933 men with an antisocial personality disorder. In Pembrokeshire, data shows that 571 women and 1,676 men, with an antisocial personality disorder, with projections showing that by 2043, that this will decrease to 533 women and 1,606 men. In Carmarthenshire, there are 907 women and 2,551 men with an antisocial personality disorder, projections show that in 2043 this will decrease to 887 women and 2,487 men.
• Data shows that there are 496 women and 558 men 16 and over with bipolar disorder in Ceredigion. By 2043 this will decrease to 451 women, and 490 men. In Pembrokeshire, there are 779 women, and 898 men with bipolar disorder. By 2043, data shows that these numbers could fall slightly, to 731 women, and 871 men. In Carmarthenshire, there are 1,224 women, and 1,372 men with by bipolar disorder. Projections show similar numbers by 2043, with 1,202 women, and 1,347 men with bipolar disorder. Across the West Wales region, men are generally more affected by bipolar disorder than women, except in the 16-24 and 65-74 age categories.
• Data shows that in Ceredigion, there are currently 643 women, and 448 men, with borderline personality disorder. Projections to 2043 show that a slight reduction is expected, to 602 women, and 414 men. In Pembrokeshire, data shows that there are currently 898 women, and 602 men with borderline personality disorder. 2043 projections show a slight decrease in these figures, to 839 women, and 600 men. In Carmarthenshire, there are currently 1,422 women, and 963 men, with borderline personality disorder. Current projections show a small change, to 1,402 women, and 944 men by 2043. Across the West Wales region, the data shows that the condition is most common in people aged 16-34.
• Data shows that in Ceredigion, there are currently 169 women, and 113 men with psychotic disorders. By 2043, current projections show a small decrease in these numbers, to154 women, and 94 men. In Pembrokeshire, there are 297 women, and 205 men, with psychotic disorders. Projections show very little change by 2043, with 291 women, and 200 men, with psychotic disorders. In Carmarthenshire, there are currently 458 women, and 304 men, with psychotic disorders. Projections show very little change, with an expected 461 women, and 306 men, with psychotic disorders in 2043.
• There are 3,785 people on the mental health Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) register in the West Wales region.

Gaps and areas for improvement

The TMHSP programme have developed a shared vision for a modern mental health service:
 

• Improving prevention and early intervention services, alternatives to hospital services such as a safe haven, respite and transfer of care liaison services, and access to services, especially for those in crisis
• Developing an outcome focused and ‘risk-enablement’ approach to service provision to support a flexible approach
• Improving access to specific mental health welfare rights support and increased support for carers and carers need to be involved in Care and Treatment planning
• Developing 24 hour direct access to alternative provision for those in crisis where hospital admission is not the best option
• Improving service user experience and conveyancing in relation to S136 of the Mental Health Act for those detained in police custody

• Developing co-produced services and community networks to support people in building confidence and skills using peer support and/or mentoring
• Developing a flexible and responsive workforce across health and social care to successfully deliver new models of mental health service
• Addressing the lack of transport links within very rural regions, which add to the difficulty of accessible service delivery and recruitment challenges