Economic recession driving mental health problems

British charities have warned that people's fears over losing their jobs and homes have fuelled a massive 20 per cent jump in the number of people suffering from mental health problems in 2011.

And the British National Health Service has reported that nearly 10 million more prescriptions were issued for anti-depressants in England than at the start of the crisis in 2007, a 28 per cent rise. Mental health charities said the stress of recent years means more people are experiencing mental health problems.

At the same time, British public health care is being squeezed.

Is the same true on this side of the pond? I haven't seen the figures -- but I wouldn't be surprised.

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