(CNN) There is a "high prevalence" of mental distress in countries across the globe due to the coronavirus pandemic, especially among health care workers and children, according to the United Nations and the World Health Organization. "The impact of the pandemic on people's mental health is already extremely concerning," WHO Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a news release Thursday. During the pandemic, 47% of health care workers in Canada have reported a need for psychological support; 50% of health care workers in the People's Republic of China reported depression; and 42% of health care workers in Pakistan reported moderate psychological distress and 26% severe psychological distress, a new UN policy brief released Thursday says. JUST WATCHED Gupta lays out mental toll of virus for front line workers Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Gupta lays out mental toll of virus for front line workers 01:50In Italy and Spain, parents have reported that while in confinement during the pandemic, 77% of children have had difficulty concentrating; 39% have restlessness and irritability; 38% have nervousness; and 31% feelings of loneliness, according to the brief. Also, a study on young people with a history of mental health needs living in the United Kingdom found that 32% of them reported that the pandemic had made their mental health much worse.

Source: CNN May 14, 2020 15:33 UTC