Concerns Over Medicalising Trauma and Mental Health
Former health secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt has expressed concerns that society is becoming overly focused on medicalising the effects of normal traumatic experiences. He has raised questions about the practice of signing individuals off work due to anxiety and depression, suggesting that this approach may not be the most effective solution.
Sir Jeremy, who served as health secretary from 2012 to 2018, spoke out during a time when the government faced significant opposition from within its own ranks regarding welfare reforms. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, people with mental health conditions are believed to account for around half of the increase in working-age adults claiming disability benefits in England and Wales since the pandemic. The number of working-age adults receiving disability benefits in these regions rose by nearly one million people between 2019 and 2024, reaching a total of 2.9 million. Approximately 7.5% of individuals aged 16 to 64 are now claiming such benefits.
In a report published in March, the Institute for Fiscal Studies highlighted that about 500,000 of the rise in disability benefit claims can be attributed to those with mental health issues. While Sir Jeremy acknowledges that it is positive that more people are open about discussing mental health, he warns against over-medicalising the issue. He points out that everyone experiences trauma, such as bereavements or losing a job, which does not necessarily equate to a mental illness.
He argues that it is morally questionable to sign off 3,000 people daily from the workforce, stating that the majority of these individuals suffer from anxiety and depression. According to him, what they need is social interaction rather than isolation. Signing them out of the workforce could worsen their condition rather than improve it.
At the Buxton Literary Festival in Derbyshire, Sir Jeremy emphasized the importance of supporting individuals with anxiety or depression so they can continue to work and lead fulfilling lives. As a former Tory MP and Chancellor under Rishi Sunak, he also highlighted the need to increase mental health provisions within the NHS. He believes that this approach would benefit both individuals and the broader economy, particularly for Rachel Reeves as she manages her budget.
During his talk, Sir Jeremy expressed support for current Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, urging the party not to undergo another leadership change. He pointed out that the party has had four leaders in four years, and changing leaders has not led to improved poll numbers. He noted that the party suffered its worst defeat in history last year and that it will take time for the public to regain trust.
Sir Jeremy encouraged Ms. Badenoch to shift focus from contrition to offering practical solutions to the country’s challenges. He suggested that there is a significant gap in politics for a party that provides viable solutions, as Labour avoids making decisions and Reform lacks credibility. He hopes that Ms. Badenoch can turn things around but acknowledges that much work remains to be done.
Despite his concerns, Sir Jeremy ruled out any immediate return to frontline politics. He clarified to Kemi Badenoch that he does not wish to serve in a front bench position in opposition but mentioned that he would be available if needed before an election.
Jokingly, he noted that being photographed with his pet labrador, Poppy, might have helped improve his poll ratings. The dog was featured in photos with the MP, his wife Lucia, and their three children as they left 11 Downing Street following the July election defeat. Sir Jeremy shared a tweet that read, “God, he’s got a labrador, can I change the way I voted?” highlighting the British public’s unique sense of humor.
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