The Silent Virus Victims

1in 4 Brits says their state of mind worse since pandemic | 1 in 12 has panic attacks & kids on anti-anxiety drugs | The hidden heartache | Covid sparks alarming crisis | 1 in 4 in worse state of mind

- Jessica Boulton, Emily Retter And Natasha Wynarczyk

COVID has sparked a mental health crisis which could take a generation to recover from unless tackled urgently.

A Mirror survey found one in four of us is now in a worse state of mind. One in 12 has panic attacks and many thought of suicide.

Anxiety pill prescriptions for kids are at a record high. Mental Health UK said: “The Government should take notice.”

BRITAIN is in the grip of a mental health pandemic as Covid and lockdowns have left soaring numbers of people struggling with an array of problems and even feeling suicidal.

In a shocking Mirror survey, one in four adults quizzed revealed their state of mind was now worse than before the virus struck.

And experts fear if Boris Johnson does not urgently tackle the desperate situation we will be plunged into a post-Covid mental health crisis that could take more than a generation to recover from.

One in 12 of all adults polled has had panic attacks, and one in 15 has battled suicidal thoughts. Within the group who said their mental health has worsened, one in eight has even tried to take their own life.

In general, older age groups have coped better during the pandemic, but those aged 55 to 64 struggled most with anxiety, cited by 80% of them. The 18 to 24-year-olds were the next most anxious, with 72% suffering.

Children have been hit hard, too - 13% of parents said their kids have experienced mental health problems and many had even been given pills for depression or anxiety.