Unemployment is a known risk factor for depression, Any Bell, deputy chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health has noted.
Mr Bell explained that the issue is a particular problem in the wake of the economic recession when unemployment rates are running high.
"One of the well known risk factors for depression is unemployment. That is an issue at the moment, with the numbers of people out of work increasing," he remarked.
However, the mental health condition "has many causes and it is very common at any time, whatever the economic situation".
Depression affects one in six people, according to Mr Bell, although statistics from the UK's Mental Health Foundation suggest that this figure could be as high as one in four.
The expert did note that the condition is "incredibly common" and, while certain people are predisposed to it, adverse life events tend to exacerbate the issue.