1 IN 5 DEPRESSED

Alarming growth in mental crisis with young severely hit

- MARTIN BAGOT

MENTAL illness is increasing with almost one in five adults depressed.

The Office for National Statistics found 18% had "moderate to severe depressive symptoms" last month.

It is up from 16% in 2022 and nearly double the 10% before Covid in 2019/20.

Worryingly, the Public Opinions and Social Trends poll indicates 26% of those aged 16 to 29 were depressed last month.

A mental health charity warned of social media and family breakdowns.