The number of Coventry people diagnosed with depression has soared in the last five years - with one in every 11 adults now known to be suffering from the disorder.

Figures from the NHS have revealed that around 37,000 people across our city currently have a formal diagnosis of depression.

That works out as 9% of all adults registered with a GP in 2017/18.

The figure is up from closer to 33,000 people the year before (eight percent) and just 22,000 people in 2012/13 (six percent).

Both the number and the rate of people known to have depression has been rising year on year.

Experts say that it is unclear whether this is due to better awareness of the symptoms among the public and GPs, or whether depression is actually on the rise.

Stephen Buckley, Head of Information at mental health charity Mind, said: “An increase in people seeking help from their GP could mean more people experiencing problems, or it could mean more people feeling able to reach out for support.

“It’s positive that more people are feeling more comfortable talking to their GPs about their mental health.

“This could be due to increased awareness and improved attitudes, thanks in part to anti-stigma movements such as Time to Change, run jointly by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

“As awareness has increased, it may also be that GPs have more of an understanding of mental health and are more able to spot symptoms of depression in their patients.

“If there are more people experiencing depression and seeking help from their doctor, then it’s crucial that resources are made available to GPs to cope with this increase in demand.

“Most people accessing support for their mental health will only be seen by their GP. We need to ensure GPs have the right support and training and that services have sufficient funding to provide high-quality, timely and appropriate care to those of us experiencing mental health problems.

“This includes refraining from a one size fits all approach and making sure people are offered a range of treatments - that may include medication, talking therapies or alternatives such as arts therapy or exercise - to find what works for them.

“We believe that if we get mental health support in primary care right, we can help people stay well so that they are less likely to reach the point of crisis.”

The National Picture

The increase in depression diagnoses seen in Coventry reflects a national trend.

Across England, some 4.6 million adults have been diagnosed with the disorder, or 10% of those registered with a GP.

That’s up from 4.1 million people in 2016/17 (nine percent) and 2.6 million people just five years ago (six percent).

Rethink Mental Illness also stresses that the increase in diagnoses of depression isn’t necessarily a negative thing.

Will Higham, acting campaigns director of the charity said: “It is easy to be worried when figures appear to rise sharply like this, but ultimately it is possible to look on this positively.

“As we continue to educate the public on the nature of mental illness, it’s resulted in people being more comfortable with approaching their doctor for help.

“There are a range of treatments and support groups available for those living with depression, and in the vast majority of cases it can be successfully treated.

“What remains vital is that services everywhere continue to receive the proper funding to ensure that the right help is available, and that the illness doesn’t develop into something more severe.”

Symptoms and support

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.

They range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful.

There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.

It's important to seek help from your GP if you think you may be depressed. Treatment for depression can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medication.

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.

Keep in touch with CoventryLive

Visit our Facebook pages for Coventry and Nuneaton or visit our Twitter pages for Coventry and Nuneaton

Watch our videos on YouTube and see our photos on Instagram

Find old stories in our online Archives and search for jobs, motors and property, or place an advert or family notice here

You can also download our all-new app.

Click here for iPhone and here for Android