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Scotland’s mental health strategy shows early progress, but inequalities persist 

  • Area of Work: Policy and Research
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 22nd January 2026

First monitoring report shows improvements in wellbeing and services alongside ongoing gaps in data and unequal outcomes

The Scottish Government has published its first monitoring report on its Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, offering an early snapshot of progress since the strategy was launched in 2023. 

The report outlines a mixed picture. On the positive side, average adult mental wellbeing has increased with a fall in the number of adults reporting high levels of psychological distress. Access to services has also improved in some areas, including shorter waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) and a growing mental health workforce, with vacancy rates beginning to fall. 

However, the report highlights ongoing challenges. Mental health inequalities remain deeply entrenched, with poorer outcomes continuing for women, younger adults, people living in the most deprived communities and those with long term conditions. People with mental health conditions also still experience much higher rates of premature mortality than the wider population. 

The report also points to significant gaps in evidence, particularly around mental health literacy, stigma, lived experience and cross-government approaches. Overall, it sets a baseline for future monitoring and underlines the need for better data and sustained action to tackle inequalities and strengthen mental health support across Scotland.  

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