More than a tenth of Sheffield adults report suffering from depression

Analysis of NHS estimates by the House of Commons Library shows 11.7 per cent of adult GP patients across Sheffield had a diagnosis of depression in 2019-20.

This was a similar rate to the 11.5 per cent average across England.

And out of Sheffield's 70 areas, it was even higher in Woodhouse West where 19.2 per cent were depressed.

At the other end of the scale was Cathedral and Kelham where 6.2 per cent of patients were depressed.

Charity Mind said England is facing a "mental health pandemic" and called for a stronger Government approach to tackle the widening inequalities in care.

Mind said bereavement, isolation, and the economic recession mean the nation is now facing a "mental health pandemic", and that a strategic approach from the Government is needed.

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Vicki Nash, head of policy and campaigns at the charity, said: "This strategy must focus specifically on communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including racialised communities and young people.

"It must address widening inequalities, sort out our woefully underfunded social care system, fund public health, and make sure the education system supports young people’s wellbeing.

“It’s important that no matter where you live, you are able to get the support you need when you need it."

New figures from the Office for National Statistics show one in five adults experienced depressive symptoms between January and March – more than double the year before.

Recent research from Mind found that the lack of face-to-face support caused by the pandemic has been particularly hard for those with severe mental health problems such as psychosis and schizophrenia.

The Government said it is providing an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023-24 for mental health services.

A government spokeswoman added: “Hundreds of billions have been spent to help those most in need throughout the pandemic, safeguarding jobs, boosting welfare support, raising the living wage and introducing the £269 million Covid Local Support Grant to help children and families stay well-fed.”

Mind organises the annual Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from May 10-16 this year.