Recession impacts mental health

Mind, the mental health charity has seen a surge in demand for its help lines since the start of the recession. Calls to its Infoline and Legal line were up 18% and 28% respectively between October and April 2011-12, compared with the same period in 2010-11. The helplines are for people experiencing mental health problems, or their loved ones, who are in urgent need of information and guidance. People call the lines with a wide range of enquiries, from advice on where to seek mental health care, to information about medications and the rights of patients in psychiatric hospital.