Around one in eight adults in West Sussex suffer from depression
It is slightly above than the national average
New figures have revealed that 11.9% of all adult GP patients in West Sussex were diagnosed with depression in 2019-2020.
That's from analysis of NHS estimates by the House of Commons Library.
The figure is slightly above the national average, which is 11.5%.
In terms of constituencies, the highest rate was recorded in East Worthing and Shoreham, where 16% of people sought help in the last year, compared with 9.8% in Horsham.
Charity Mind has said the country is facing a "mental health pandemic" due to bereavement, isolation and the economic recession.
They're calling for a stronger approach from government to tackle the widening inequalities in care.
Vicki Nash, head of policy and campaigns at the charity, said:
"This strategy must focus specifically on communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including racialised communities and young people.
It must address widening inequalities, sort out our woefully underfunded social care system, fund public health, and make sure the education system supports young people’s wellbeing.
It’s important that no matter where you live, you are able to get the support you need when you need it."
New figures from the Office for National Statistics show one in five adults across England experienced depressive symptoms between January and March - more than double the year before.
A government spokeswoman added:
"Hundreds of billions have been spent to help those most in need throughout the pandemic, safeguarding jobs, boosting welfare support, raising the living wage and introducing the £269 million Covid Local Support Grant to help children and families stay well-fed."