New figures from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities show more than 6.6 million people in England were living with depression in 2022-23, the highest figure since records began in 2012. A spokesperson for the charity Rethink Mental Illness said the "unsurprising" increase may have been fuelled by the pandemic and cost of living crisis.
In Dorset there were 39,542 adults with depression in 2022-23, making up 12.9% of adults in the area registered with a GP. This was a slight increase on the year before, when it was 12.
4%, and more than in 2019-20, before the Covid pandemic, when it was 11.6%. The figures are based on unresolved diagnoses of depression as recorded on patients' GP records since April 2006.
They do not account for those suffering with the condition but still waiting for a formal diagnosis. Jeremy Bernhaut, head of policy and influencing at Rethink Mental Illness, said depression can have a "devastating" effect, and quick access to treatment is "essential to enable recovery". However, he added it could be "an encouraging sign" more people now recognise the symptoms and are seeking help for mental health issues.
He added: "While the nation’s mental health is often measured through NHS statistics, it’s vital to remember the real-life experiences of the people behind the statistics and resource the NHS to meet the rising demand for support." He called for a "whole society approach", requiring action from across government departments. The highest ra.