Brexit has markedly exacerbated the UK’s economic woes, leading to an unparalleled surge in the inflation index and cost of living. Consequently, the nation finds itself in its direst economic conditions in the past fifty years. Equally concerning is the significant influence of politics on mental health matters, as demonstrated by the alarming statistics from official sources. These data reveal that the cost of living crisis has taken a toll on the mental well-being of UK citizens. Furthermore, Brexit has further compounded these economic difficulties, contributing to a surge in mental and emotional problems among the British populace. Recent surveys depict a sharp rise in mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and aggression since the Brexit referendum. This experience highlights the profound impact that politics can have on mental health matters. Thus, this article explores the extent to which Brexit has exerted political influence on mental health issues.
The unprecedented increase in inflation and cost of living
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has increased the base interest rate from 0.1% to 5.25% in the past two years to curb inflation. Still, in practice, this action has caused a few hundred pounds to be added to the monthly mortgage instalments of millions of households. Andrew Bailey, governor of the BoE, warned, contrary to experts’ predictions, that the basic interest rate will not be reduced until at least the next two years, i.e. the end of 2025, to stabilize the country’s economic situation. On the other hand, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) predicted that the price of goods will increase in the new year. In that case, inflation will go up, and the Central Bank will not be able to reduce the interest rate.
The inability of the British to meet the costs of living
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced in its latest report that 11 million people in this country are having trouble paying their bills and debts. One out of every five English people is struggling with heavy financial obligations since the beginning of this year. The data shows that the number of people facing financial difficulties increased from 7.8 million in May 2022 to 10.9 million in January 2023. Meanwhile, another 1.4 million people have been added to the number of those who have not paid their loans or bills in May, and the statistics have increased from 4.2 million in May 2022 to 5.6 million in the beginning of 2023. FCA research shows that spending by 29% of people with mortgages and 34% of renters increased in the six months to January 2023. About 6,200,000 people who had insurance in May 2022 have cancelled or reduced their coverage for 2023.
The destructive effect of the cost of living crisis on mental health
According to the FCA, the cost of living crisis in the UK has had a devastating impact on the mental health of its citizens. In January 2023, a staggering 28.4 million people reported feeling more anxious and stressed compared to six months prior, largely due to the challenging economic conditions. The FCA conducted a survey revealing that 28% of respondents experienced sleep deprivation as a result of financial worries. Desperate to meet their basic needs, some individuals have resorted to using their credit cards, while others have depleted their savings on heating expenses. Shockingly, 11% still need to open financial warning letters. Official data suggests that the inflation rate in the UK has skyrocketed to 4.6%, a significant increase from last year’s 11.1%. This rate is far from the Bank of the UK’s target of 2%, leading experts to question its sustainability.
The British worry about not being able to meet living expenses
According to the survey findings, it is evident that a majority of individuals are feeling hopeless about resolving the cost of living crisis in the UK, given the high double-digit inflation rates. They also express dissatisfaction with the performance of Rishi Sunak’s conservative government. It is undeniable that the British economy has been in its worst state in the past 50 years. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently published a report highlighting an increase in unemployment rates due to the economic recession, resulting in numerous job losses during the summer months. The government must address these issues promptly as the challenges in the economy are expected to persist for a considerable period.
Terrible negative consequences of Brexit for the British
In the wake of Britain’s formal departure from the European Union, the UK finds itself grappling with the grim ramifications of Brexit four years later. Rather than witnessing anticipated economic improvements, citizens now contend with a deteriorating growth rate, the absence of trade agreements, and soaring food prices as part of their daily reality. Promoters of Brexit, such as former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, had assured the public that sovereignty and lucrative trade deals awaited beyond the EU. The slogan “take back control” had promised bilateral agreements with superior terms to supplant the EU’s previous trade arrangements. However, considering the current predicament, this optimism appears increasingly implausible.
The British regret about Brexit
Polls show that the British have regretted Brexit. The results of a survey show that the majority of British people now regret Brexit and want to rejoin the European Union. The results of a poll published by YouGov show that the majority of British people now regret Brexit and want to rejoin the European Union. Seven years after Britain’s Brexit referendum, 52 per cent of respondents now believe that leaving the European Union is a mistake, and seven in 10 support closer ties with the union. The results of the survey also show that 57% of Britons now support joining the single market, even if it means resuming the free movement of people.
The increase of mental illnesses of the British in the post-Brexit period
Political influence on mental health issues has been high in the issue of Brexit. Surveys show that since the Brexit referendum in 2016, mental illnesses such as stress and emotional anxiety have increased among the citizens of this country. On this basis, especially people who voted to stay in the EU suffer from these psychological injuries. These mental illnesses show themselves in the form of poor concentration, nervousness, depression, and feelings of worthlessness and powerlessness. Most voters who voted to remain in the EU suffer from these ailments. Therefore, Brexit has led to an increase in mental illness.
