DISAGREEMENTS over the Covid jab and mask-wearing are contributing to a rise in mental health problems among adults, a report has suggested.

Arguments about aspects of the pandemic have “created tension within friendships, families and communities” Leeds’ director of public health, Victoria Eaton said.

There has been a 20 per cent leap in the number of adults in Leeds seeking help for mental health disorders since before the pandemic, with the use of anti-depressants having also risen locally.

Ms Eaton’s report, which is going before senior city councillors this week, said: “Groups particularly affected are those people who were already at risk of poor mental health; people who were bereaved during lockdowns; health and social care staff and people admitted to intensive care with Covid-19.

“However, we have all lived through an unprecedented time of anxiety and uncertainty and, to varying degrees, the pandemic has affected everyone psychologically, one way or another.

“Usual places of support – such as community groups and places of worship – have also been closed or disrupted during the pandemic.

“Disagreements over vaccines, approaches to lockdown legislation and mask-wearing have also created tension within friendships, families and communities.”

The public health report also said that suicide rates in Leeds had not increased during the pandemic.