The American rapper Lil Nas X has revealed his journey with bipolar disorder, describing it as an ongoing recovery. His openness arrives as new data shows Britain’s mental health investment now exceeds that of most global peers. For those on the kitchen table economy, this isn’t just celebrity news. It’s a rare moment when a public figure’s personal battle aligns with a policy shift that touches millions.
Lil Nas X, real name Montero Lamar Hill, took to social media this week to discuss his diagnosis and the importance of seeking help. “It’s a process. Some days are brutal, others are bliss,” he wrote. His candour is part of a growing trend among artists destigmatising mental illness. But while his platform brings visibility, the real test is whether the NHS can deliver on the promises of increased funding.
According to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development published today, the United Kingdom now spends more per capita on mental health services than any other European country, and ranks second globally behind only the United States when adjusted for purchasing power. The figure stands at £220 per person, up from £175 five years ago. This places Britain ahead of Germany, France, and even the Nordic nations long seen as benchmarks for welfare.
The investment is a victory for campaigners who have long argued that mental health is the poor relation of physical health. But activists warn that the extra cash has been swallowed by rising demand and staffing shortages. The number of NHS mental health nurses has actually fallen by 2,000 since 2015, even as the budget grew. That means longer waiting lists and higher thresholds for treatment, especially in the regions.
In the North of England, where I grew up, the postcode lottery remains stark. A young person in Manchester facing a crisis can wait months for cognitive behavioural therapy, while a peer in leafy Surrey might get it in weeks. The government’s own data shows that spending per head in the North East is £145 compared to £280 in London. This inequality mirrors the divide in life expectancy and employment that I have covered for years.
Lil Nas X’s story will resonate most with young people, but his diagnosis is not the typical experience of bipolar disorder in Britain. Most sufferers are working class, often juggling zero-hour contracts and insecure housing. The rapper can afford private therapy and a supportive environment. For many, the choice is between a six-month wait on the NHS or forgoing treatment altogether.
Still, the OECD report is a welcome change from the usual headlines about underfunding. It shows that political rhetoric has translated into real cash. But as one mental health charity put it: “Spending is only half the story. You need the workforce and the community infrastructure to make it work.” The government’s own workforce plan has been delayed repeatedly, leaving trusts struggling to recruit.
The real test will come this autumn, as the Chancellor eyes spending cuts to balance the books. Mental health is often the first to be squeezed in the name of efficiency. Activists are already mobilising unions and patient groups to defend the gains. They point to evidence that every £1 spent on mental health saves £4 in lost productivity and benefits.
Lil Nas X’s recovery may be personal, but it symbolises a broader struggle for recognition and fairness. Britain has the money. Now it needs the will to spend it wisely and equally. The kitchen table knows that goodwill doesn’t pay the bills. Only proper investment in people’s minds and lives will do that.
