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Adult mental health in Medway

1 in 6 adults in England have a common mental health problem.

Common mental health problems include depression, general anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In 2017, it was estimated that 38,260 people aged 16+ in Medway had a common mental health problem.

15.7% of adults in Medway were recorded as having depression in 2020 to 2021. This is higher than the England value of (12.3%).

Risk factors for mental health issues include:

• deprivation: higher levels of deprivation are associated with mental health issues
• population groups such as minority ethnic groups, homeless individuals, people with physical and or learning disabilities, are all at increased risk of mental health issues
• unemployment: Increases the risk of mental illness but can also be caused by it.

Medway's smoking rate in 2019 to 2020 for those with a long-term mental health condition was 25.6%. This is similar compared to the England value of (25.8%).

The suicide rate in Medway in 2018 to 2020 was 8.8 per 100,000 people. This is similar to the England rate of 10.4 per 100,000 people. The male suicide rate in Medway is higher than the female suicide rate.

Severe mental illness is when mental health issues substantially interfere with everyday living. In 2020 to 2021, 0.74% of Medway residents were classed as having a severe mental illness.

What's available in Medway

• Release the Pressure Helpline, a free and confidential access to highly trained and experienced mental health teams 24 7 through text or call. Text Kent to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160.
• Medway Talking Therapies, a free and confidential service for anyone 18+ and registered to a GP in Medway. Offers face to face, skype or telephone therapy appointments.
• Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust community mental health team. Provides assessment and treatment services for those in the community between 18 and 65 who are experiencing a mental illness.

Recommendations

• Work to increase the uptake of physical health checks among those with severe mental illness.
• Public Health should continue to raise awareness of the smoking cessation service within mental health settings.
• Partners should continue to increase the capacity of frontline workers in health and social care to deliver brief mental wellbeing interventions.