For years, clinical professionals have been pushing the same narrative: we are in the middle of a mental health crisis. But this isn’t the full picture.

What we’re actually facing is an access-to-service crisis. Even worse, the very system designed to help is, in many cases, making the problem worse.

Back in 2018, as a police officer on the verge of suicide, I witnessed firsthand how interventions are set up to protect organisations, not people. Charities focus on raising awareness rather than offering real services, and the NHS is stuck doling out antidepressants while making patients wait years for therapy. Even when therapy is finally available, the NHS’s own numbers tell a worrying story.

Data from the NHS's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme reveals that only 50-51% of people recover after completing treatment, and for those in deprived areas, the recovery rate drops to 42%​

These figures highlight a system that isn’t delivering the level of care needed, leaving thousands to struggle. What’s even more infuriating is that alternative methods, often spearheaded by individuals who’ve lived through their own mental health battles, are being ignored. Those who’ve found ways out of the darkness are offering to help others, but the healthcare system refuses to engage, hiding behind statistics and evidence-based protocols that haven’t even considered these new approaches.

The health system, much like other parts of the UK’s infrastructure, isn’t broken because of the people working within it. It’s broken because of a select few who prioritise power and self-preservation over helping others.

As you reflect on the challenges outlined here, it becomes clear that the mental health crisis isn’t just about resources or statistics—it’s about priorities. Are we brave enough, are you brave enough to put people before systems and self-interest?

Can you step outside of the status quo, acknowledge the shortcomings, and open yourself up as a clinical professional to try something new?

True change requires courage—courage to engage with alternative perspectives, to listen to those who have been through the darkness and found their way out, and to collaborate on solutions that go beyond self-preservation.

The question is: who among us is willing to lead that charge, to put people first, and dare to look at mental health from a different perspective?

Who among you who has influence and are willing to help people like me make real change?

I am someone who said no to the police when they tried to stop me helping others, I have lived through my own mental health crisis and found that traditional services couldn’t help me. I am committed to redefining mental health care through a personalised approach that works but I can't do it alone.

Instead of waiting years for mediocre outcomes, my clients see profound changes in hours not months.

Kerry Katona in tears after undergoing hypnotherapy for mental health struggle

Kerry Katona from 90's Girl Band Atomic Kitten has advocated for Marcus's work she explained in the press how her experience with hypnotherapy saw her reconnect with 'little Kerry, who's been through s***', as she opened up about her mental health battles amid the release of her latest memoir

Change is needed - Will You Be Part of The Change?

The question remains: if these alternatives can offer real, life-changing results, why is the system so resistant to change?

If you’re a clinical professional reading this and are truly committed to helping people, reach out.

Let’s start a conversation about real results. And if you’re not willing to explore new solutions, ask yourself—what’s stopping you?

For those brave enough to start making real change, contact Make Your Life Count today and see how the right support can transform lives.

Article Sources:

• BMC Psychiatry: NHS IAPT Programme 2017-2018 report. Accessed via bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com, October 2024 ​BioMed Central

• NHS Talking Therapies data report. Accessed via nuffieldtrust.org.uk, October 2024​Nuffield Trust

• Make Your Life Count, Marcus Matthews. Accessed via makeyourlifecount.co.uk, October 2024​