We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Publication - Statistics

Scottish Health Survey 2019: summary report

Published
29 September 2020
From
Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Part of
Health and social care
ISBN
9781800040458

Key finding from the Scottish Health Survey 2019 report.

This document is part of a collection

View supporting documents Supporting documents

Chapter 2 Mental Wellbeing

The mean WEMWBS score for adults in 2019 was 49.8.

Chart to show the mean WEMWBS score for adults in 2019 was 49.8.

Mental wellbeing was higher amongst older than younger adults in 2019.

Chart to show percentages of mental wellbeing was higher amongst older than younger adults in 2019.

Differences in the WEMWBS mean scores by area deprivation continued to be evident in 2019.

Chart to show Differences in the WEMWBS mean scores by area deprivation continued to be evident in 2019.

17% of adults had a GHQ-12 score of four or more* in 2019; prevalence has fluctuated between 14% and 19% since 2003.

As in previous years, women were more likely than men to record a GHQ-12 score of four or more*.

  • All adults 17%
  • Men 15%
  • Woman 19%

Rates of depression**, anxiety**, attempted suicide and self-harm were at their highest levels in 2018/2019 combined.

Graphs to show Rates of depression, anxiety, attempted suicide and self-harm were at their highest levels in 2018/2019 combined.

* Indicative of a possible psychiatric disorder.
** In 2012, there was a change in mode from nurse interview to self-completion data collection.

In 2018/2019 combined, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, attempted suicide and self-harm were highest amongst those living in the most deprived areas.

Graphs to show that In 2018/2019 combined, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, attempted suicide and self-harm were highest amongst those living in the most deprived areas.

In 2019, women were signicantly more likely to have reported feeling lonely (often/all of the time) in the last two weeks compared with men.

  • 10% All adults
  • 9% Men
  • 12% Women

Prevalence of loneliness in the last two weeks (often/all of the time) was higher among younger people, particularly among women.

Graph and graphic to show the prevalence of loneliness in the last two weeks (often/all of the time) was higher among younger people, particularly among women.
  • 12% Men aged 16–24
  • 21% Women aged 16–24

Those living in the most deprived areas were more likely to have reported feeling lonely 'often/all of the time' in the last 2 weeks than those living in the least deprived areas.

Graph and graphic to show the prevalence of loneliness in the last two weeks (often/all of the time) was higher among younger people, particularly among women.

In 2019, adults who felt lonely 'often/all of the time' in the last two weeks had lower mental wellbeing (WEMWBS mean score) than those who 'rarely/never' felt lonely.

  • 37.8 Adults who felt lonely 'often/all of the time'
  • 52.9 Adults who 'rarely/never' felt lonely

In 2016– 2019 combined, boys aged 13–15 had higher mental wellbeing (WEMWBS mean score) than girls in the same age group.

Ages 13-15

  • Children 51.0
  • Boys 52.0
  • Girls 49.9

24% of children lived with at least one parent with a GHQ-12 score of four or more* in 2019.

* Indicative of a possible psychiatric disorder.

Contact

Email: scottishhealthsurvey@gov.scot

Back to top