A new survey by Gallup has revealed the extent of people's mental health fears as the coronavirus lockdown continues in many places. 

In the survey of 7,931 Americans, over two thirds (68%) think they can wait "as long as is necessary" before their physical health suffers. But less than half (48%) said they thought their mental health would hold out for as long.

Some 15% said that social distancing measures were already impacting their mental health, but figures reveal that younger people are finding it harder. 

While only 9% of 45- to 64-year-olds and 5% of people over the age of 65 said their mental health was already being impacted, this rose to over a quarter (26%) of 18- to 44-year-olds. 

Younger people were also far more likely to say that their physical health was suffering (one in 10 vs just 4% of 45- to 64-year-olds and 2% of over-65s). 

Gender and family make-up are also influencing people's wellbeing, with women (19%) more likely than men (12%) to say that they are already experiencing negative emotional or mental health effects as a result of social distancing. 

Men (53%) are more likely than women (43%) to say that they can endure social distancing for as long as is necessary before their mental health suffers. 

While a fifth of parents with minor children said they were already having trouble with their mental health, this fell to 13% among those with no younger children in the home. 

Over half (51%) of those with no minor children at home think they can hold out as long as is necessary without suffering any negative mental health impact, compared to 41% of parents with younger children. 

Working adults were also more likely to report negative emotional effects compared to those not working - 18% vs 12%. 

Commenting on the findings, Gallup said: "Older Americans are more likely than those who are younger to say they can follow social distancing practices as long as is necessary before their financial, mental and physical health suffer.

"Older adults may be more patient because they know their health risks are higher than those for younger adults should they contract COVID-19.

"They are also more likely to be retired and on a fixed income, which might make them somewhat less financially vulnerable."