Almost one in five people in West Sussex suffers from mental health problems.

The county council estimates 81,775 people aged between 16 and 74, or 17% of the population, are suffering from some form of mental illness.

Of these almost 5,000 are older people suffering severe depression.

There are also 4,245 people suffering obsessive compulsive disorder and 11,600 who have had a depressive episode.

The figures are included in a council blueprint setting out how it will tackle health issues in the county over the next five years.

The report said the aging population in West Sussex would add to the strain on mental health services.

It says: “Overall West Sussex has an older age structure than England, with 20.8% of the population aged 65 or over compared with 16.5% in England.

“We expect that this proportion will increase over the next decade as the baby boomer generation gets older.

“As well as developing more complex physical health issues as we grow old, depression, social isolation and loneliness are key concerns.

“Approximately 14,500 older people are estimated to have depression with 4,700 having severe depression.”

The council’s public health plan says it will tackle the high levels of mental health problems in the county by ensuring regular health checks for those who have previously suffered problems.

It has also pledged to support vulnerable sections of society and work closer with voluntary groups.