BOURNEMOUTH has seen one of the highest rises in depression and anxiety in the country, according to a survey of patients registered with GPs.

Figures from Public Health England show that one in every six registered patients in the area was suffering with at least one of the mental health conditions.

And the results of the most recent survey show that Bournemouth has seen a 26.1 per cent rise since 2015 – the ninth-highest in the country.

The figures for the wider Dorset area were less marked, with one in nine patients found to be living with depression or anxiety, or 11.1 per cent of registered patients in the area.

The most recent survey showed that the rate in Dorset had increased by 1.7 per cent since 2015, slightly lower than the national average.

The South West as a whole had a lower than average percentage of patients with anxiety or depression.

Across the region, 13.1 per cent of respondents in the survey reported one or both of the conditions, an increase of 11.4 per cent on 2015.

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.”

Mr Buckley said that the reasons for regional variations were unclear.

“We do know that there are links between, for example, deprivation and mental wellbeing, so it may be that prevalence is genuinely higher in certain areas,” he said.

“On the other hand, more positively, it may be that in some places there is greater awareness that you can get some support from your GP for your mental health.

“Everyone experiences good days and bad days but if the feelings don’t go away after a couple of weeks or keep returning, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing a common mental health problem like depression or an anxiety disorder.”

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.

If you are struggling with mental health issues and need support call the Samaritans on 116 123, Papyrus for those aged under 35 on 0800 068 41 41, Childline on 0800 1111, or the Silver Line for older people on 0800 4 70 80 90.