News: Prozac use up 25 per cent in recession depression - The Mirror

Prescriptions in the UK for Prozac and other antidepressants have increased by nearly 25% in the last five years.

Last year, doctors wrote 2.1 million more prescriptions for antidepressants in the wake of the credit crunch.

Philip Hodson, from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, is quoted in this piece in The Mirror (22 June 2009): "Depression can be caused by unacceptable change happening at an unacceptable rate. For some, too much change can be paralysing. Pills have a role, but play better with some people than others."

Victoria Walsh, from mental health charity Rethink, adds: "We are seeing people who have been high fliers and now find life without their jobs overwhelming."

The Guardian also covers this story.

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News: Attitudes to mental illness 'changing for the better' - Guardian

This piece in the Guardian (12 June 2009) reports on research from the UK government's Department for Health which found a favourable shift in the way people regarded mental illness. When questioned 73% of people felt that people with mental health problems should have the same employment rights as other people - an increase of 7% compared to last year.

Some ignorance about mental health still persists according to Paul Corry from Rethink who comments: "One in five people still believe that anyone with a history of mental health problems should be excluded from taking public office. This is a shocking statistic on the eve of a general election which will be fought against the background of politicians from all parties being seen as out of touch with voters. If we as voters really want politicians to reflect the constituents they serve, we need to change our attitudes and open up parliament to the one in four people with mental health problems who will think twice before standing and coming out about their experiences."

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