1 in 5 may have a mental illness

ONE in five adults has a ‘probable’ mental health condition, the research found.

Women are most at risk and the percentage has increased significantly since 2012.

Adults were asked 12 questions on their sleeping patterns, happiness, anxiety levels and self-confidence.

They were given a score out of 12 and anyone with four or more was deemed to have a ‘probable’ mental health condition. The survey found 19 per cent were in this category, up from 15 per cent in 2012.

In the 16 to 2 age group, 28 per cent of women had a probable mental health condition.

Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of mental health charity Sane said: ‘We are particularly concerned about younger people, and especially young women, whose distress may be driven by factors such as the pernicious effect of social media, or worries about money, relationships or jobs.’

The survey also found a quarter of adults watch four hours or more of television a day. This rose to 3 per cent at weekends. And half of the over-65s watch four or more hours on weekdays.