THE number of people with depression or anxiety referred for therapy halved during lockdown in west Hampshire, including Winchester, new figures reveal.

Mental health charities say they are concerned people may not be seeking help, despite suffering increased stress and anxiety during the coronavirus crisis.

Last April, NHS statistics show that 990 people were referred to psychological therapies for depression and anxiety in the NHS West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group area.

But the latest figures show that this April, the number had fallen to just 495 – a drop of 50%.

There was also a drop in the number of patients who began therapy during the month – 430 compared to 690, a fall of 38%. Across England, referrals were down by 57%, falling from 133,191 to 57,814.

Danielle Hamm, associate director for campaigns and policy at charity Rethink Mental Illness said the figures reflected the “significant disruption” to mental health services during the initial pandemic response.

Research carried out by the charity in April found 79% of people with pre-existing mental illnesses said their mental health had deteriorated because of the pandemic, while 42% said this was the case because they were getting less support.

Ms Hamm said: “We’re very concerned to see the number of referrals dropping so rapidly at a time when a significant number of people reported a deterioration in their mental health, combined with an increase in waiting times for those who have sought help.”

Dr David Crepaz-Keay, from the Mental Health Foundation charity, said the figures were “troubling”, but that the health service is only one source of support for mental health. He said: “There are many other ways the Government can support the mental health of the millions who have been especially hard-hit by the pandemic.

“This includes action to increase people’s financial and physical security, so they don’t have to fear running out of food or fuel or being evicted, as well as wider changes such as more health visitors to support new parents, and mental health support for people who work in the NHS.”