The Lizard has one of the lowest rates of depression across the UK
Figures show The Lizard has a rate of just 4.5%, compared to 16.3% in the area of Mid-Saltash
Last updated 7th May 2021
The Lizard in Cornwall has one of the lowest rates of depression in the country, figures have revealed.
But charity Mind said England is facing a "mental health pandemic" and called for a stronger approach from the Government to tackle the widening inequalities in care.
Analysis of NHS estimates by the House of Commons Library shows 10.9% of adult GP patients across Cornwall had a diagnosis of depression in 2019-20.
This was slightly lower than the 11.5% national average, though it varied significantly between the 73 areas in Cornwall.
The rate was just 4.5% in The Lizard, which was one of the lowest of the 6,800 small areas in England with results.
At the other end of the scale was Mid Saltash, where 16.3% of patients were depressed.
Parts of Westminster had the lowest rates nationally, at less than 4%, while 27% were depressed in Brinnington, in Stockport.
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.
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".
Vicky Nash, Mind
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 House of Commons Library data shows that 0.9% of patients across Cornwall were diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychoses last year.
There were three areas with rates as high as 1.2%, while in Roche and Goss Moor, 0.5% did.
Researchers warned that variation across the country might reflect differences in the way GPs record health conditions, as well as genuine variation in prevalence.
The Mental Health Foundation said bullying, particularly within gang culture, is one of the key triggers for being diagnosed with schizophrenia – and is often higher in poorer areas.
Dr David Crepaz-Keay, head of applied learning at the organisation, said the gap between rich and poor is only likely to widen post-pandemic.
He added: "If we want to reduce those mental health inequalities then we have to start to prioritise actions against some of these social determinants.
"We also need to get better at providing support to people who are victims of these events as part of our mental health response.
"We can’t treat our way out of this, we have to rebuild our communities back properly".
Dr David Crepaz-Keay, The Mental Health Foundation
The charity organises the annual Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from May 10th - 16th this year.
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".