NATIONAL DEPRESSION WEEK

Early day motion 1935, tabled 29 March 2006 by Lord Lansley (Conservative). Signed by 65 members.

That this House congratulates the Depression Alliance on their organisation of National Depression Week which runs from 17th to 23rd April this year; notes that more than 2.9 million people in the UK are diagnosed as having depression at any one time and that one in five people will be affected by depression at some point in their lives; further congratulates the Depression Alliance for arranging a series of events during National Depression Week which aim to increase awareness of depression; supports the decision by the Depression Alliance to theme this year's National Depression Week around the availability of complementary therapies; agrees with the Depression Alliance that those suffering from depression would often benefit from access to complementary therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, nutritional advice and exercise; further notes that the waiting lists for many alternative therapies are unacceptably long and that the number of people suffering from depression is rising; and believes that urgent action is needed to ensure that all people suffering from mental illness receive the treatment best fitted to their personal circumstances.

Signatures by party: Conservative 38, Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 9, DUP 4, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.