Study finds increased depression amongst Scots caused by recession

Published on Monday 9 March 2009 14:57

THE economic downturn may be fuelling an increase in the number of Scots with depression and anxiety, new research showed today.

The study by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) suggested that the global crisis is affecting the nation's mental health, with many people experiencing the onset of poor mental health for the first time in 2008.

Those affected by the economic crisis are eight times as likely to have sought help for depression for the first time compared with those who were not affected, according to the study.

They were also four times as likely to have sought help for anxiety for the first time compared with those not affected, in terms of income, employment, job security of themselves or of a family member.

The crisis also affected respondents' emotional state, with an increase in negative feelings reported.

A third of those questioned said they were more anxious in 2008 than in previous years, while just over a third (37%) felt more worried.

People affected by the crisis were nine times as likely to have felt more scared in 2008 than in previous years than those not affected, and more than five times as likely to be more worried.

SAMH said the findings are "surprising and worrying".

It said the Scottish Government must do more to tackle the problems, following a UK Government promise to allocate 13m to help unemployed people who are experiencing depression or anxiety to get back to work.

Billy Watson, SAMH's chief executive, said: "The results of this research suggest that many people in Scotland may be experiencing problems with their mental health for the first time – we believe this is related to the tough financial times people are facing.

"Immediate action is needed across the public and private sector to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.

"SAMH is calling for additional Scottish Government funding for a national campaign to ensure that everyone knows how to look after their mental health during the recession."

The survey of 376 people suggested that Scots are beginning to be affected financially by the global economic crisis, with a quarter saying they are finding it more difficult to pay essential bills and almost a third (30%) reporting an increase in personal debt.

Almost a fifth (18%) said they believed their job or income were at risk in 2008.

SAMH called on NHS boards to improve the accessibility of mental health services, and for local authorities to prioritise mental health services when setting budgets.

The research was conducted through a website survey on 5-26 January

2009.

Most of the respondents were of working age.