UK Faces Rising “Soul Pain” as Burnout and Loneliness Surge
A new report indicates a growing crisis of emotional and psychological distress across the United Kingdom, with healthcare professionals observing increasing levels of burnout, loneliness, and what one patient described as “deep soul pain.”
Speaking on a recent podcast, GP and television medical expert Dr. Amos Ogunkoya shared a particularly moving experience from his work at a clinic serving the homeless population. “I had one of the most profound experiences with a patient I’ve ever had yesterday,” he recounted, describing a patient who articulated a feeling of profound emotional suffering. “He called it ‘soul pain,’ he called it ‘deep soul pain,’ and he goes, ‘you’re asking me, doctor, genuinely, what has brought me here? There’s such deep soul pain.’” Dr. Ogunkoya, who also works with athletes in the Premier League, noted he was deeply affected by the encounter and the realization that many others likely suffer in silence. This comes as mental health services across the UK continue to face significant strain and long wait times.
The discussion also highlighted the role of modern life – including social media and workplace pressures – in exacerbating these issues. Zoe Kalar, founder and CEO of WeAre8, an AI-powered social media platform designed to combat toxicity, argued that the current tech landscape prioritizes profit over wellbeing. “If you have to keep people scrolling to make more money, to deliver against shareholder return, you have to make it toxic,” Kalar stated. She founded WeAre8 in response to concerns about the negative impact of traditional social media platforms, and the company donates its profits to communities and non-profit organizations. Understanding the impact of social media on mental health is increasingly important, as detailed by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Dr. Ogunkoya emphasized that individuals often conceal their stress, even when it’s impacting their lives. “People are often asked do they feel burnt out but are at the top of their business and really high flying. They feel burnt out but technically, it hasn’t affected their performance.” Experts suggest addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased mental health resourcing and open conversations about wellbeing. You can find more resources on Mind, a leading mental health charity in the UK.
Officials say further research is planned to assess the full extent of the problem and develop targeted interventions to support those affected.
