Lucette Davies examines the mental health crisis in the UK, questioning the role of Big Pharma and medical prescriptionsTo mark Prescribed Harm Awareness Day, the Stolen Lives talks and picnic were held in London earlier this month. Currently in the UK one in five adults is diagnosed with a mental health condition and 9 million people are prescribed antidepressants. The prevalence of mental health conditions in those aged 16-24 has risen from 18.9% in 2014 to 25.8% in 2025. The social determinants of mental ill health are clear: those who are economically disadvantaged are 64% more likely to receive a mental health diagnosis. We have a serious and growing crisis of mental distress in this country which is driven largely by the capitalist ideals of prioritising growth over humanity.