The majority (64%) of young adults in Britain say they have experienced mental health difficulties, with a third (32%) expecting to need support in the coming year, according to polling commissioned from YouGov by UCL’s Grand Challenge of Mental Health & Wellbeing.
The academics say the findings highlight the need for more research and support into early intervention and prevention of mental health disorders.
The survey of people aged 16-25 in Britain found that two-thirds (64%) of young adults report having experienced or currently experiencing mental health difficulties. This is highest amongst 20-21-year-olds, where 40% say they are currently experiencing difficulties and a further 31% say they have in the past. Women are more likely to say they have experienced mental health difficulties (72% vs 56% among men).
Around a third (32%) of those surveyed said they are likely to need mental health support in the next 12 months.
When asked what negatively affects their mental health, respondents cited a wide range of factors. School/college/university and financial pressures were cited most often, by 17% and 16% of respondents, respectively – although those who are neither in work nor education are more likely to say they are currently experiencing mental health difficulties (47% compared to 32% of the total sample). UCL researchers have previously identified that academic pressure or proximity to exams is linked with mental health issues among young people.