More people in Swindon are living with depression since the Covid pandemic.

New figures from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities show more than 6.6 million people in England were living with depression in 2022-23, which is the highest figure since records began in 2012.

In Swindon there were 24,294 adults with depression in 2022-23, making up 12.6 per cent of adults in the area registered with a GP.

This was a slight increase on the year before, when it was 12.4 per cent, and more than in 2019-20, when it was 11.6 per cent.

The figures are based on unresolved diagnoses of depression as recorded on patients' GP records since April 2006. They do not account for those still waiting for a formal diagnosis.

Jeremy Bernhaut, head of policy and influencing at Rethink Mental Illness, said depression can have a "devastating" effect and quick access to treatment is "essential to enable recovery", adding that it could be "an encouraging sign" that more people now recognise the symptoms and are seeking help.

He said: "It’s vital to remember the real-life experiences of the people behind the statistics and resource the NHS to meet the rising demand for support."

The highest rate of depression in England was found in Blackpool, where 21.6 per cent of the population was diagnosed, while the 10 local authority areas with the lowest rates were all in London.

Across the south west, 13.6 per cent of people were diagnosed in 2022.

Lee Fernandes, lead therapist at the UKAT London Clinic, added: "Depression is a difficult condition to have and for loved ones to understand. It’s much deeper than just feeling low or sad.

"We receive calls for help for depression every day and thankfully, these are the people who are taking positive steps to tackling their depression, either alongside prescribed antidepressants or even as a first step before opting for the pills.

"With the right therapy, it is possible to be free from depression."

The government plans to recruit 8,500 new mental health workers and provide specialist support in every school.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said it was "unacceptable" that people with mental health issues are not getting the support or care they deserve.

They added: "We will fix the broken system we have inherited to ensure we give mental health the same attention and focus as physical health. "We will go further than ever to prioritise mental health and that starts with updating the Mental Health Act, to ensure that care is appropriate, proportionate and compassionate."