Norfolk counsellor warns cost of living pressures mean many are cutting out mental health work
It's estimated 1 in 6 adults have experienced something like depression or anxiety in the past week
A counsellor in South Norfolk is warning that continued cost of living pressures mean many are cutting back on private therapy or mental health work.
It comes as research from the House of Commons Library found that an estimated 1 in 6 adult have experienced something like depression or anxiety in the past week, while a quarter of those having trouble paying their energy bills were also experiencing moderate or severe depression.
"It can feel like quite a bit of pressure"
Ruth Noble is a counsellor in Diss: "While there are those who have greater needs due to the pandemic, we are also in a cost of living crisis where people are really feeling the pinch.
"So, even though some people need some support they're not reaching out for it, as they've got to keep the pennies.
"Knowing that there are big times coming up like Christmas and Diwali can feel amazing and exciting for some people, but for others, it can feel like quite a bit of pressure."
"That can be quite unsettling and difficult"
She says the clocks going back is still doing us no favours:
"Especially in this period where we're still adjusting, our bodies aren't necessarily tired but our minds are - that can be quite unsettling and difficult.
"Coming towards the end of the year, that could seem like a natural time to look back and reflect.
"Perhaps we look back and think we haven't achieved what we wanted to achieve. Also, if we want to look forwards - that can seem quite scary, as well!"
What has the government said on this?
The Department of Health and Social Care said:
"We are investing at least £2.3 billion of additional funding a year by March 2024 to expand and transform mental NHS health services, so an extra two million people can get mental health support.
"We are also investing more than £400 million to improve mental health facilities, including by giving patients the privacy of their own bedroom and eradicating shared dorms.
"An additional £150 million will be used to build new facilities to support mental health urgent and emergency care services."