Depression affects three in four

Three out of four people in the UK suffer from depression at some point but only a third seek help.

Women are more likely to feel depressed than men, with 80 per cent saying they regularly or occasionally feel down or unable to cope.

Money is the biggest cause of depression, with more than half of all people questioned for a survey published today saying they have felt down about money over the last 12 months.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Men are particularly likely to have linked their depression to the recession, whereas women have been worried about family or relationships.

January is regarded as the most depressing month of the year, caused by post-Christmas credit card bills and cold weather.

Zelda Peters, director for mental health at the charity Turning Point, said in the wake of the survey that even mild depression needed to be identified and treated early.

"We know that, if diagnosed early, mild depression can be successfully treated.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"If not, it can escalate and lead to unemployment or long-term sickness, and even to negative behaviours such as drinking more, missing work or college and lying to family and friends.

"Most people think anti-depressants are the answer and for some people they are.

"But there are a huge range of treatments beyond this on offer, such as psychological therapies which provide effective long-term relief."

It has also emerged in a separate report that many workers were keeping their bosses in the dark about illnesses, including depression and stress.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A survey of over 2,000 adults by pharmacy Lloyds showed that two of five believed it was acceptable to hide an illness or medical condition from an employer.

Men were more likely than women to disclose their full medical records.

Andy Murdock of Lloydspharmacy said: "Many people fear telling their employer about their medical condition, but keeping bosses in the dark can pose a number of risks.

"For example, an employer might unknowingly place an employee in a situation that exacerbates a health problem."

Related topics: