Manchester and Merseyside depression 'higher than average'

Depression and anxiety in the Greater Manchester and Merseyside are higher than the European average, a new study has shown.

The research, conducted across 26 cities and led in the UK by the universities of Manchester and Liverpool,  revealed that obesity was a problem in both cities.

Heavy drinking among young people and adult binge drinking were also above average.

Project coordinator Dr Arpana Verma, from the University of Manchester, commented: "Health inequalities are a greater issue than ever before and it's becoming increasingly important for policymakers to take the valuable information that we have to offer and translate into policies that can help improve our health.”

It was found, however, that people from Liverpool were smoking less than the European average, but had a lower-than-average perception of their own wellbeing.

According to NHS figures, over 2009 and 2010 around one million hospital admissions were due to an alcohol-related condition or injury.

Alcohol misuse is related to a range of long-term social side effects, including unemployment, divorce, domestic abuse and homelessness.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.