New data released for Mental Health Awareness Week by the Mental Health Foundation has revealed widespread use of unhealthy coping mechanisms by people across Wales when they are “stressed, anxious, or low.”

More than two-thirds of adults in Wales (69 per cent) had taken harmful actions to cope with poor mental health in the past month. Over a third (36 per cent) report spending time in isolation from others and one third (34 per cent) spend more time scrolling social media and online as a way to cope with anxiety, stress and low mood, despite a strong body of evidence which suggests these actions can be harmful.

Other harmful actions that a significant number said they had done to cope with their mental health included comfort eating or overeating (27 per cent), and not getting out of bed (31 per cent).

Despite harmful behaviours being above the UK average, 84 per cent of adults in Wales took at least one positive step to support their mental health, most commonly accessing nature, enjoying hobbies, exercising, or prioritising sleep and rest.

The poll of 1015 people in Wales was carried out by Opinium.

Catherine Razzell, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Mental Health Foundation said: “This polling tells us that, here in Wales, there is a concerning degree of harmful actions taken by people as a way of dealing with their feelings of poor mental health, such as doomscrolling or over-eating.

“We are hopeful to see positive actions being taken by individuals to help maintain and improve good mental health. Tried and trusted activities such as connecting with nature – which many of us are fortunate to have access to in Wales, and taking part in physical exercise and rest, in equal measure – are all known to support our mental health.”