The number of people in the north and north-east using anti-depressants has soared in the last five years.
New figures have revealed there has been an explosion of people using the drugs to cope with mental health issues.
In Grampian, 73,521 prescriptions were handed out during 2014/15, compared with 59,483 in 2010/11.
Meanwhile, in the Highlands, there was an increase of more than 7,000 – from 35,707 in 2010/11 to 42,898.
The figures, obtained using freedom of information legislation, also shows there were increases of 844 in Shetland, 723 in Orkney, and 336, during the same period.
Last night, a national mental health charity said there was no simple solution when it came to treating depression.
Jo Anderson, external affairs director at the Scottish Association for Mental Health, said: “The rise in prescriptions of anti-depressants is a complex issue. For many people with a mental health problem, anti-depressants make a positive difference to their lives, but the key issue here is that people have access to the right support, at the right time.
“People with mental health problems deserve access to a wide range of support tools to help them recover. Medication is part of a suite of treatments which can help, but access to psychological therapies, exercise or support to implement lifestyle changes are hugely important for improving mental health.”
NHS Grampian said an increase in the region’s population over recent years has contributed to the rise in prescriptions.
A spokeswoman for the NHS said: “Anti-depressants are not addictive. Research carried out in Grampian has highlighted the vast majority of these prescriptions come from GPs rather than hospital mental health services. The evidence also suggests these prescriptions are entirely appropriate.
“It is worth noting the population of the region has grown over the last few years. It is also worth noting that anti-depressants can be prescribed for the relief of a range of conditions, including chronic pain.”
Highland Council has stressed medication can play an important role in treating depression.
A spokeswoman added: “It is important that people have access to the treatment when clinically appropriate.
“It is important to note that anti-depressants are also increasingly used in the management of chronic pain.”
NHS Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles could not be reached for comment.