In parts of the country as many as one in three adults have a formal diagnosis of depression
Parts of Surrey have some of the lowest rates of depression in the South East(Image: GETTY)
Parts of Surrey have some of the lowest rates of depression in the South East, according to new official statistics exposing the scale of England’s mental health crisis.
Figures published by the House of Commons Library show that in pockets of the country, particularly in the North West, as many as one in three adults have a formal diagnosis of depression.
Around one in seven residents are diagnosed with depression in Godalming and Ash, which has the highest rates in Surrey (15%). A similar proportion of adults suffer from depression in Farnham and Bordon, which is partly in our county.
In Esher and Walton, meanwhile, about one in nine adults (11%) have a diagnosis of depression, the fourth lowest rate in the South East.
The top five Surrey parliamentary constituencies with the highest rates of depression are:
1. Farnham and Bordon (15.36%)
2. Godalming and Ash (14.67%)
3. East Surrey (13.7%)
5. Guildford (13.32%)
The Surrey constituencies with the lowest rates of depression are:
1. Esher and Walton (11.45%)
2. Woking (11.77%)
3. Windsor (12.12%)
=4. Reigate (12.34%)
=4. Runnymede and Weybridge (12.34%)
Neighbourhood data shows that diagnosis rates are higher in smaller communities.
In Farncombe, the neighbourhood area with the highest rates in Surrey, almost one in five adult residents have a formal diagnosis of depression recorded by their GP practice (18%).
At the other end of the spectrum, Cobham in Elmbridge has the third-lowest rates in the South East (8%).
The top five neighbourhoods with the highest rates of depression in Surrey are:
1. Farncombe (18.4%)
2. Godalming North (17.8%)
3. Haslemere West (17.3%)
4. Godalming South (17.1%)
5. Haslemere East (17%)
The neighbourhoods with the lowest rates in Surrey:
1. Cobham (7.6%)
2. Oxshott & Stoke D’Abernon (8.5%)
2. Westcott, Ockley & Capel (8.5%)
4. Virginia Water (9.5%)
5. Claygate (9.7%)
You can see how high the rates of depression are where you live using our interactive map.
Responding to the figures, Gemma Byrne, Policy and Influencing Manager at mental health charity Mind said: “Depression might feel like you get less enjoyment from the things you previously enjoyed, it might make you want to withdraw from loved ones, you might have trouble eating, sleeping, and exercising, and you can feel isolated or hopeless.
“You might also be thinking about ways to harm yourself or struggling with suicidal thoughts. These can all have a huge impact on your day-to-day life and make it difficult to manage tasks and self-care. It can affect your work, relationships, finances, and hobbies.
“No matter what kind of symptoms you have, everyone deserves to be able to access the help that they need.
“These figures show a significant number of people reporting poor mental health across the North West. While the exact reasons are unclear, we do know there are huge links between deprivation and mental wellbeing.
“For example, we know that struggling financially can take a huge toll on your mental health and equally, struggling with your mental health can make it harder to manage your finances. That’s why we need to see a shift in our mental health system towards better understanding of people’s needs upfront and providing care that is holistic, appropriate, and person-centred.”
The figures show the proportion of GP patients aged 18 and over diagnosed with depression.
Mind has several helplines available for advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem
Support Line: 0300 102 1234 (lines open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday, except bank holidays)Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday, except bank holidays)Welfare benefits line: 0300 222 5782 (lines open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays).Legal line: 0300 466 6463 (lines open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays).
Mind’s Our online mental health community Side by Side is a safe space where anyone aged 18 and over with experience of a mental health problem can share their story, connect with others, access Mind’s wider information and resources, and give support in return.
Find out more at www.sidebyside.mind.org.uk