Number of people with anxiety and depression in Stoke-on-Trent prompts call for action

We're being told that efforts must be made to improve a sharp decline in people's mental health across Stoke-on-Trent.

It's as a new report by the city's Director of Public Health highlights how poor mental health is now one of the biggest challenges the city's facing, whilst being the largest cause of disability in the UK.

This year’s Public Health Annual Report for the City shows mental ill-health makes up nearly 23% of the UK’s disabled population.

Statistics within the report show there is much work to be done with the city presently having lower levels of life satisfaction, higher prevalence of mental ill-health conditions, and higher rates of suicide compared to the national average – and worsening over the last decade.

For example, between 2020 and 2022, there were 16 suicides per 100,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent compared to 10.3 per 100,000 in England during the same period.

Stephen Gunther, Director for Public Health at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "We've got a high rate of suicides, particularly that 35-55 year old cohort of men in particular that are taking their own lives. Generally across the city, our outlook in terms of positivity is a lot lower than the rest of the country."

People diagnosed with depression in the city was 18.6% in 2022/23, higher than the national average of 13.3%.

A total of 67.1% of over-18s are overweight or obese, slightly higher than the national average at 63.8%.

The number of economically inactive adults, due to long term sickness, is 39.6% compared to the national average of 25.4%.

Figures show the city has high levels of poverty, obesity, long term sickness, social isolation, poor housing and poor educational attainment, factors which seriously affect levels of mental wellbeing.

Stephen added: "In terms of key groups it's our young people. In particular young men. In terms of young people and their future and brighter outlook. You've got transitions in life, coming out of school and going into the work place, that is a key transition. I think also as we get older there's issues around isolation and losing friends and losing family.

"At different parts and stages of life, it does affect people differently."

The report highlights the alarming link between mental ill-health and physical health as it recommends a series of actions to improve the health and wellbeing of Stoke-on-Trent’s 260,000 population.

The Public Health Annual Report has now made nine recommendations, three to residents, three to all communities and three to Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The recommendations include asking partners to sign-up to the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health; further strengthening of our support of the Loneliness Partnership, and work to highlight and raise awareness of local organisations and events that help and support people with mental ill-health.

Stephen continued: “Mental wellbeing is essential to overall health and we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering a culture where it is valued as much as physical health.

“The report shows we have lots of work to do to improve health and wellbeing across the city, but we are committed to doing this, working with our partners and raising awareness of how important mental health is in relation to physical health.

“The statistics paint a bleak picture but at the same gives us the direction we need to improve the lives of everyone who lives here.”

Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, added: “Mental wellbeing affects every aspect of our lives, from personal relationships and workplace productivity, to societal stability, and economic progress.

“This year’s Public Health Report highlights the ways to help and support mental wellbeing, reduce stigma and ensure access to quality care for all.”

As well as the Council’s nine recommendations to improve health and wellbeing, the report advocates the NHS ‘Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing’.

These are:

• connecting with other people

• physical activity

• learning new skills

• giving to others; and

• paying attention to the present through mindfulness.

To access the full Public Health Annual Report (2023/2024) click here.

For more information visit: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/

Alternatively, there are details of many support services on the council’s website: https://www.stoke.gov.uk/info/20010/adult_care_and_wellbeing/377/support_services

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