Table 11.

Examples of responses to ‘What needs to change to reduce levels of depression in society?’.

Improve social support, help reduce isolation and bring back communities.

1. Accommodation; 2. Benefits; 3. Employment (IPS); 4. Education & training; 5. Socialisation support (preventing isolation)

More social support - both within society and provision by local government/social services/NHS.

Societal change, more inclusion, local activities, greater sense of community, Less shift work, more focus on importance of rest, daylight, time to prepare healthy meals, exercise- requiring improved/safer cycle ways towns designed around people not cars and shorter working days to allow time for people to look after themselves.

Greater equity of income/wealth. More emphasis on health and wellbeing of children and support for their parents.

Less pressure in schools on results, support for young peoples services

Less inequality, less poverty, less loneliness, more social cohesion.

More work to address health inequalities, child poverty, in-work poverty, homelessness and alcohol/substance misuse.

Many jobs are working people increasingly harder. Many jobs are not secure. The cost of living has risen much quicker than wages, putting financial strain on people. Employers expect more and more from employees with little reward or consideration for their well-being. It seems that these days people think that many problems can be fixed with tablets (I think the drug companies are to blame for this, and worry that if we head towards a system like America, this will get worse with drug advertising). Many medical problems can be helped by eating well/exercising/sleeping well/socialising - but these all take time and effort, something which the modern day doesn’t seem to allow for easily. Better education in school about looking after yourself would be a start.

IPS, individual placement support; NHS, National Health Service.