We've become a nation in need of a good talk

MORE patients than ever are using NHS talking therapies to tackle their mental health issues.

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There has been an almost threefold increase in just 10 years soaring from 434,247 patient referrals for talking therapy in 2012/13 to a huge 1.2 million in 2021/2022.

The cost of the service was over £776million in England last year.

Topping referrals list was the Greater Manchester health authority, at 78,965.

Then Cumbria came and the North East at 63,900, with West Yorkshire and Harrogate in third place at 61,810.

Fewer people now suffer in silence. However, a rise in referrals has hit waiting lists.