A Royal College of Psychiatrists survey has revealed the devastating impact of the pandemic on the nation’s mental health, with one in three adults reporting their mental health deteriorated over the past two years.

The poll of 2,247 people suggests that those with pre-existing mental health problems have been hit hardest, with 81 per cent of respondents stating that their mental health had deteriorated compared with two years ago.

Adults with a disability and those with prior physical health problems reported poorer mental health, as did those with a pre-existing physical health condition.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists says more needs to be done to prevent mental illness and is launching the Public Mental Health Implementation Centre to improve awareness and adoption of evidence-based programmes to prevent mental illness and improve resilience and wellbeing following the pandemic.

Trudi Seneviratne, Registrar at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “The pandemic has exacted a heavy toll on the nation’s mental health with one in three people saying their mental health deteriorated over the past two years. There are proven strategies for preventing mental illness but a lack of funding and knowledge have stymied progress.

“The Public Mental Health Implementation Centre will boost awareness and adoption of evidence-based programmes that prevent mental illness. We must learn lessons for the future and the next pandemic. Investing in evidence-based prevention and protection programmes makes sense morally, medically and economically. It saves money and most importantly saves lives.”