A rising tide of poverty is having a catastrophic impact upon the mental health of Dundonians, shocking new figures have revealed.
The city now has a higher prevalence of people medically diagnosed with a mental health problem than other parts of Tayside and Scotland.
The mental wellbeing of residents has also reduced significantly over the past 12 months, with the greatest problems reported in areas of severe deprivation.
The worrying findings are contained in the annual report of Dundee’s chief social worker and are of significant concern to the city council.
It has pledged to launch a new mental health strategy in 2016 in an effort to reverse the trend and provide residents with the support they need.
Just last week The Courier revealed NHS Tayside now has the country’s worst record on waiting times for children with mental health problems, with less than a third of the 532 requiring support between July and September seen within 18 weeks.
Youngsters with problems such as depression, ADHD and early onset psychosis wait an average of six months in Tayside compared with nine weeks nationally.
NHS Tayside said that the worrying increase in mental health problems is directly linked to the city’s struggle with poverty.
“There is a strong association between social and economic disadvantage and poor mental health and wellbeing,” said Dr Drew Walker, director for public health.
Dr Walker said significant steps had been taken by NHS Tayside and its partners to provide and improve services for those in need.
“NHS Tayside has been involved in a number of awareness-raising activities across communities encouraging anyone with mental health issues to access the help that is available,” he said.
“NHS Tayside works in partnership with the Dundee Healthy Living Initiative and Equally Well on projects that aim to improve community mental health and wellbeing in Dundee and these have had a positive impact on services, patients and the community.
“It is also positive news that more people are taking the step of going to their GP to seek help for mental health issues.
“If anyone is worried that they or a friend or family member is suffering from a mental health condition, we would encourage them to speak to their GP in the first instance.”
Dundee Labour group leader Councillor Kevin Keenan is among those keen to see the city’s new mental health strategy introduced as soon as possible.
He said: “The number of people with mental health problems in Dundee is growing.
“That is most worrying when you look at the increase in young people suffering from mental health issues in particular.
“Early intervention will be vital if we are to address this.”
NHS Tayside recommends that no one suffer in silence and anyone with concerns about their mental health can call NHS 24 on 111 or the Samaritans on 0845 7 90 90 90.
The confidential service Breathing Space can also be contacted on 0800 838587 or by emailing www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk.