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Prescriptions for antidepressants have risen by 43% in the past four years to nearly 23 million a year, NHS figures reveal.
The Guardian last month revealed a north-south divide in the prescription of antidepressants, with GPs in Blackpool, Salford, and Redcar and Cleveland making the most prescriptions.
Now data obtained from the NHS Prescription Services by the BBC show a dramatic increase in the number of prescriptions for antidepressants between 2006 and 2010.
Money worries and job insecurity are thought to be behind the rising figures. GPs and charities said more people were coming to them struggling with debt and job concerns.
They said financial woes could often act as a "trigger", but added other factors may also be playing a role in the rise.
The chief executive of Depression Alliance UK, Emer O'Neill, said the rise in prescriptions could be down to a combination of money problems and the fact the stigma of depression is beginning to lift.
"There is an increase in the number of people suffering from depression," she said. "GPs are better at diagnosing it than before, and there is now a better access to treatment than ever, but there is a higher number of people with depression than there was before.
"The financial strain on many people has never been worse. They are worried about their spiralling bills and where the next meal is coming from. It can make you feel very down, and it soon becomes a cycle.
"Depression also causes loneliness, which can be fatal. Sufferers need to take it seriously and not ignore the signs. There is no 'one size fits all' in depression, but everyone should have access to the right treatment through their GP."
The care services minister, Paul Burstow, said on Wednesday: "The last recession has left many people facing tough times. If people do experience mental health problems, the NHS is well placed to help.
"We're boosting funding for talking therapies by ?400m over the next four years.
"This will ensure that modern, evidence-based therapies are available to all who need them, whether their depression or anxiety are caused by economic worries or anything else."
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The Guardian last month revealed a north-south divide in the prescription of antidepressants, with GPs in Blackpool, Salford, and Redcar and Cleveland making the most prescriptions.
Now data obtained from the NHS Prescription Services by the BBC show a dramatic increase in the number of prescriptions for antidepressants between 2006 and 2010.
Money worries and job insecurity are thought to be behind the rising figures. GPs and charities said more people were coming to them struggling with debt and job concerns.
They said financial woes could often act as a "trigger", but added other factors may also be playing a role in the rise.
The chief executive of Depression Alliance UK, Emer O'Neill, said the rise in prescriptions could be down to a combination of money problems and the fact the stigma of depression is beginning to lift.
"There is an increase in the number of people suffering from depression," she said. "GPs are better at diagnosing it than before, and there is now a better access to treatment than ever, but there is a higher number of people with depression than there was before.
"The financial strain on many people has never been worse. They are worried about their spiralling bills and where the next meal is coming from. It can make you feel very down, and it soon becomes a cycle.
"Depression also causes loneliness, which can be fatal. Sufferers need to take it seriously and not ignore the signs. There is no 'one size fits all' in depression, but everyone should have access to the right treatment through their GP."
The care services minister, Paul Burstow, said on Wednesday: "The last recession has left many people facing tough times. If people do experience mental health problems, the NHS is well placed to help.
"We're boosting funding for talking therapies by ?400m over the next four years.
"This will ensure that modern, evidence-based therapies are available to all who need them, whether their depression or anxiety are caused by economic worries or anything else."
more....
