More than a third of people in the East Midlands, including in Lincolnshire, struggle to go to work or school because of their mental health, new figures show.
Some 38 per cent of people in the region also find it difficult to talk about their issues, according to a report from mental health charity Mind.
Now, a Lincoln charity says not enough is being done to support people in the county.
Ian Blackmore, site manager at Mint Lane Wellbeing Hub, said: “Levels of mental health have increased dramatically over the years.
“I think the main reason is because it’s not easily accessible for somebody who is struggling.
“There are not enough services available to support those who need them and many people feel a bit unsure about where to get help.”
Mr Blackmore said social stigma remains an issue.
He said: “Traditionally, mental health was not talked out. Poor mental health was seen as a sign of weakness.
“People don’t feel they can share their feelings and feel that people don’t care. People are so bothered about their own lives.”
Mint Lane Wellbeing Hub is run by Involve Lincoln and provides a space for community organisations. It runs weekly wellbeing sessions, including yoga and arts classes.
It also supports people suffering from homelessness through the Nite Bite Café to support people who are homeless.
Cherrie Watkinson, 45, from Lincoln, attends the wellbeing sessions and said she struggles to manage her emotions.
She added: “The sessions make me feel more emotionally stable. When I don’t come, it makes me feel more emotional.”
Sam Brown, 58, from Birchwood, said: “I’ve had a hard time with my eldest son and it has been quite difficult to deal with.
“These sessions are really supportive and are helping me get through my depression and have helped make me feel stronger.”
Tom Larken, health and wellbeing co-ordinator at the University of Lincoln Student Wellbeing Centre, said: “Talking about any tough topic is hard to do. Mental health also has a bit of a stigma to it.
“Stepping forward and reaching for support is often a difficult thing to do for many people”
“People are starting to become more open about it but there is still a long way to go.”
Mr. Larken said moving away from home was the main factor causing mental health issues among students.
He added: “I think a lot of people struggle with the transition to university and living independently.”
