One in nine are depressed in city

AROUND one in nine people across Portsmouth suffer from depression – and figures reveal how rates vary across the area.

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

Analysis of NHS estimates by the House of Commons Library shows 10.9 per cent of adult GP patients across Portsmouth had a diagnosis of depression in 2019-20.

This was a slightly lower rate than the 11.5 per cent average across England.

But of Portsmouth’s 25 areas, it was highest in Paulsgrove East where 15.5 per cent were depressed.

At the other end of the scale was Fratton West and Portsea where eight per cent of patients were depressed.

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.