The vast majority of young people are struggling with their mental health, according to research from mental health charity Mind.
The poll of 2,000 18-24 year olds revealed 95% were struggling with their mental health while just 10% of young adults loved themselves completely
The research, in association with Direct Line Insurance, also found 95% had felt anxious in the last 12 months and 21% said they experienced these feelings all the time.
Almost half of young adults (46%) admitted that had felt low often or all the time over this time period.
More than one in twenty young people said they felt uncomfortable discussing their mental health with anyone and 10% of 18-year-olds said they were not willing to speak about the topic at all.
Seven in 10 (70%) of young adults admit to feeling lonely even when around peers, friends, classmates, work colleagues. They also have less energy than they did previously, with 83% saying this was true in the last 12 months.
But music is proving is a potent outlet as when they do need a mental lift, 59% of young adults turn to music to improve their mood and for a quarter of this generation it made them feel less lonely.
Almost two thirds (65%) of young adults said musicians were a force for good in opening discussions about mental health, with Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi seen as inspirations.
Consequently to highlight the link between music and a positive uplift in mood, Direct Line and Mind worked with mental health advocate and London-based rapper Marc Jones, who has over five million music streams, to produce a new track.
Day by Day encourages young people to be open about their mental health and is free to download across all major streaming platforms for the month of April.
Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind, said: “We are deeply concerned by the findings of this research – the fact that only 10% of young adults love themselves highlights the urgent need for support and resources to help this young generation navigate the complex challenges they face.
“We are excited to be part of the efforts of Direct Line and Marc Jones in producing the track Day by Day to encourage young people to open up about their mental health and seek the support when needed.”
Sam Taylor, marketing director at Direct Line, added: “The mental health of young adults is incredibly important and many are struggling to navigate these complex times.
“Understanding the issues faced by a generation of young adults we partnered with Marc Jones an inspirational musician to develop a track encouraging young people to open up about their mental health, whether that’s in the car when the song plays on the radio or at home, with friends streaming the track.”
