Young people are more likely to suffer from poor mental health under lockdown than older adults, research has revealed.
The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found 70% 18 to 24 year olds have felt more anxious about the future, compared with 47% of over 75s. They were also nearly three times more likely to have experienced feeling of loneliness more often than normal.
It is calling for more mental health support for young people who may have been adversely affected by lockdown.
Shirley Cramer, chief executive of RSPH, said: 'Life under lockdown has been a challenge for all of us, but we are very concerned to see that young people are most vulnerable to experiencing adverse effects on their mental health and wellbeing. Moving from adolescence into young adulthood can be a difficult time for some, and the coronavirus pandemic adds another dimension of stress.
'We need more support tailored to young people who are struggling in this unique situation if we want to avoid further disadvantaging young people by allowing a mental health crisis to develop as a consequence of lockdown.'