Bridget Fox denounces Government inaction as cost of depression soars.

12.17.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 21st Jun 2009

Bridget says action is needed to tackle the rising costs of depression

Liberal Democrat PPC for Islington South & Finsbury, Bridget Fox, has denounced the Labour government's complacency and inaction, as the Liberal Democrats revealed new figures on the rising cost of depression.

In the space of 10 years the cost of treating depression has grown by 65% from £5.2 billion in 1999 to £8.6 billion today. With the likelihood of public spending cuts in the near future, many fear that spending on mental health as the Cinderella of the NHS will be squeezed even further by a reduced budget.

The problem is especially acute in Islington, with its high population density. With national rates of depression running at 15%, it's estimated that over 26,000 borough residents are likely to be affected.

As the credit crunch bites in this borough with its extremes of poverty and wealth, Bridget Fox calls for greater government awareness of and attention to the blight of depression.

Bridget says,

"I meet so many people affected by depression, yet this invisible illness often goes unrecognised.

"Depression already places a huge burden on its sufferers, their families and friends. These figures show the shocking economic cost of depression, at a time when we are all feeling the pinch.

"The Government must stop ignoring depression and take real action to tackle the human and financial costs."

Bridget is calling for action on three fronts:

• better understanding of the causes and treatment of depression

• better access to counselling and therapy

• Government action to tackle the avoidable causes of depression

Bridget adds "While some depression is unavoidable, we know that worry about unemployment and debt makes things worse.

"Initiatives like Islington Council's recession helpline are a step in the right direction. The Government can and must act to tackle the avoidable causes of depression."