Figures show record number of Oldham adults have depression

The data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities has shown that between 2022 and 2023, there were 28,538 adults in Oldham living with depression.

The number makes up 15 per cent of adults in Oldham registered with a GP.

This is higher than the figure of 14.1 per cent the previous year and between 2019 and 2020, before the Covid pandemic, the figure was 12.9 per cent.

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The data showed more than 6.6m cases throughout England, accounting for 13.2 per cent of adults in the country registered with a GP, with Oldham nearly two per cent higher than the national number.

Dr John Patterson, Associate Medical Director NHS GM Oldham said: "It is clear that what we see in our consultation rooms is confirmed by local and national statistics - many people are struggling to make life work and in particular, keep their mood up in hard times.

"When we compare Oldham to equally hard-pressed neighbourhoods we can see the national effect of the cost of living crisis etc. We can also see that local initiatives are working to support our residents and we are mindful of how well people in Oldham look out for each other.

Dr John Patterson (Image: NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care)

"We are proud of our communities and will continue to partner with them to find ways to best support those struggling."

The areas with the highest rates of depression in England were found in Blackpool, where 21.6 per cent of the population was diagnosed, followed by the Wirral with 21.4 per cent and Knowsley with 20.4 per cent, while nearby Rochdale was fourth with 19.6 per cent.

The North West has the highest percentage of people with depression with 16.4 per cent, while the 11 lowest rates of depression in mainland England were all in London.

If you are feeling anxious, lonely or stressed there is lots of support available to help you improve your mental wellbeing and feel happier and healthier.

To find services in Oldham to help those struggling with mental health, visit Mind for Tameside, Oldham and Glossop, Pennine Care NHS or Oldham Council.