SHOCK new figures from Scotland’s census show the number of people who reported having a mental health condition more than doubled between 2011 and 2022.

And it is young people - mostly female - who are feeling the pressure most of all.

The figures were released ahead of World Mental Health Day (Thursday, October 10).

Similar figures have been recorded across Ayrshire, with local NHS services confirming increasing demand on their mental health services in recent years.

In 2022, 617,100 people reported in the census that they had a mental health condition. The census form described this as a condition that affects your emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.

The increase from 4.4 per cent to 11.3 per cent of the population was the biggest change across the range of categories listed in the census question on health conditions.

A large increase in the number of younger people reporting mental health conditions is behind the rise.

Director of census statistics, Jon Wroth-Smith, said: “In 2022, 15.4 per cent of people aged 16 to 24 reported having a mental health condition, up from 2.5 per cent in 2011.

“Females in this age group were twice as likely to report having a mental health condition at 20.4 per cent compared to males at 10.5 per cent.

“There were also increases in older age groups but the biggest increases were seen in younger groups, and it is now more common for younger people to report a mental health condition. This is the reverse of what we saw in 2011.”

A spokesperson for Ayrshire's health board said today: "NHS Ayrshire and Arran can confirm the demand on our mental health services has increased over recent years, across all age ranges.

"We are currently implementing and exploring a number of ways to transform our approach to how those living in Ayrshire can access and receive mental health care and to improve the patient journey.

"This includes the recent opening of our unscheduled care mental health hub and the ongoing work in creating a specialist centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), as well as the all-age Community Eating Disorder Service in Ayrshire and Arran."

North Ayrshire's mental health champion, Councillor Jean McClung, said: "Without good mental health and a feeling of well-being, I do feel that a person cannot thrive.

"While I find the statistics surrounding the issue distressing, I have no doubt in my mind that here in North Ayrshire the subject is being taken seriously.

"I have attended a number of events over the last two years, including suicide awareness conferences, and the general opinion appears to be that in North Ayrshire we are 'ahead of the game'.

"It has been my pleasure to support a number of local self-help groups such as the Community Hub of Hope, the Men's Shed, the She Shed and a number of crafting groups. These groups help alleviate loneliness, enabling members to meet others and discuss problems informally.

"I am full of admiration for the organisers and all those involved with these activities. I have said before, and say again, community spirit is alive and well in the Three Towns.

"If anyone would like help with a mental health issue, please contact me. I am more than happy to give any assistance I can, including pointing individuals in the right direction."