Revealed: Number of people suffering from anxiety and depression on the rise across Shropshire

One in seven people in parts of our county are now living with the problem – and in some areas numbers seeking help from their GP are rising fast.

Official figures from Public Health England show a rise of almost 17 per cent in cases of depression in Shropshire in the last three years, although there has been a small drop in Telford.

Figures show that 12.5 per cent of registered patients in Shropshire were suffering with at least one of the mental health conditions at the start of last year. For Telford and Wrekin the figure was 14 per cent.

The most recent survey showed that the rate in Shropshire has increased by 16.9 per cent since 2015, but there was a five per cent drop in Telford & Wrekin over the same period.

Help groups in the county today reported a noticeable rise in people they are helping.

The Holistic Clinic in Ludlow offers help to patients with depression and anxiety, offering a wide range of pallative and remedial healthcare.

'Long term anxiety will probably lead to depression'

Emma Kenchington, an acupuncturist and musculoskeletal practitioner, says the clinic sees 30 to 40 people a week and there has been a rise in people accessing its services.

She said: "I would say there has been a rise, especially people who are self-employed and feel the pressure a lot more.

"We have people come for all sorts of reasons. Anxiety is probably the main thing and long term anxiety will probably lead to depression."

She said services that help people with their mental health are "absolutely imperative", adding: "People should always have a choice when it comes to their health."

Social isolation in rural areas and the pressure of work, especially among those who are self employed, is blamed for the upward trend.

The NFU has also identified the problem, brought on by financial pressures and uncertainty for the future. Research released this month also suggested that a third of prescribed medicines have depression as a possible side effect.

Telford’s No Panic charity helps people with anxiety and depression. Its ambassador Mark Rees said getting help is key in tackling the problem, adding: “Anxiety can involves negative thoughts, other people’s perceived judgements of you and catastrophising if something happens.”

'It is important that everyone has access to quality mental health services'

Stephen Buckley, from mental health charity Mind, said: "As attitudes towards mental health improve and with it the understanding that help is available, we're going to see more and more people seek support.

"No matter where you live, it is important that everyone has access to quality mental health services, when they need them."

Across England, 13.7 per cent of GPs' patients reported living with depression or anxiety at the start of 2017.

They were more common among women, with 14.7 per cent saying they had at least one of the two conditions. For men, the rate was 12.7 per cent.

Nationally, figures varied significantly between areas.

The highest rates of depression and anxiety were in Liverpool, where nearly one in five respondents noted the conditions – more than double the rate in West Berkshire.

Farmers at high risk of suicide

The agricultural industry is being urged to help combat the impact of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues on an increasing number of farmers.

Agricultural charities are reporting an increase in the number of calls to their helplines with mental health difficulties on the rise.

The NFU, which has a strong presence in Shropshire and Mid Wales, has joined forces with Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the Rural Support Network and Barclays to urge everyone in the agricultural supply chain to “help take the strain”.

Farmers are almost three times as likely to commit suicide than the average UK citizen, according to the Farming Community Network (FCN).

Richard Yates, chairman of the NFU West Midlands Livestock Board, said: “With things like the weather, disease and general pressure, they may push them over breaking point.

“Farmers can be sailing along and then suddenly are faced with losing half their herd through disease.

“Farmers are often isolated and they can go a week where they don’t leave their properties or see anyone.

“Resources are out there to help people. Farmers need to accept they have a problem and be brave enough to take that step to talk to people.”

An inquest in 2014 heard how one farmer in Enville told a neighbour: “I need help” and “There isn’t going to be any farm” before taking his own life with a double-barrelled shotgun at his farmhouse.

The inquest was attended by senior figures in the farming industry, who warned farmers were being pushed to breaking point by financial pressures.

NFU regional director Adam Bedford said awareness of farming’s “hidden struggle” is growing, and all farmers have a responsibility to help each other.

The NFU launched its #SeeItChangeIt campaign at the NFU’s annual conference – its latest initiative to improve safety and well-being on farms.