BBC News
By Lucy Ballinger & Alex Jennings
Wales Live
media captionCovid has accelerated anti-depressant use
Antidepressants should not be used as a sticking plaster , a charity has warned, after prescription numbers accelerated during the pandemic.
While use of the drugs has increased, the number of people referred to talking therapies is down, official figures showed.
Mind Cymru said antidepressants could be helpful for short periods but failed to address any long-term issues.
The Welsh Government said it was investing in mental health support.
More than 3.2 million antidepressant items were prescribed by GPs in Wales in the six months after the Covid pandemic started - an increase of 115,660 compared to the previous year.
More than 150,000 people in Gwent have received first vaccination walesonline.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from walesonline.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Downturn in vaccine jabs expected as Wales set to switch to younger age groups
An expected decrease in the next fortnight means jabbing capacity will follow suit
14:23, 11 FEB 2021
Updated
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