Data released following a JEP freedom of information request has revealed that one in ten adults in Jersey were prescribed anti-depressants last year.
It also showed that 90,746 anti-depressant prescriptions were issued in the Island in 2014, compared to 66,180 four years earlier – an increase of almost 40 per cent.
Professionals who work with struggling Islanders said that pressures brought on by the recession such as loss of job security, struggling to get a pay rise and worsening debt problems seem to be the root cause of the trend.
But Patricia Winchester, of Mind Jersey, said that while anti-depressants can help depressed Islanders get through their daily routine, counselling is required for greater long-term benefit.
Mrs Winchester said that Islanders suffering depression should seek assistance from counselling service Jersey Talking Therapies, which was launched by the Health Department in 2014 to provide a free counselling service.
