Distress in England’s young adults has risen sharply since Covid, study shows

Research suggests those aged 18 to 24 have been deeply affected by pandemic and then cost of living and healthcare crises

Young adults are bearing the brunt of a growing mental health crisis" in England, according to researchers who warn that levels of severe distress have risen steadily in adults since the start of the pandemic.

The disturbing trend may be driven by an unprecedented series of events" including the cost of living and healthcare crises and the impact of the pandemic itself, the researchers said, adding there was an urgent need to address the causes and improve funding for mental health services.