MORE than 80 per cent of people in Essex have seen their mental health decline due to gym closures, according to a new survey. The data was released today in line with the national mental health awareness campaign Time To Talk Day, demonstrate the impact the closures are having on the county. The survey was compiled by Nicky Mitchell, co-owner of Burnham-based gym Trackside Fitness, and Chelmsford-based mental health expert Sadie Restorick. The two businesswomen wanted to get a better idea of resident’s current activity levels and mental health. Of the 198 who took the survey, 87 per cent saw a decline in mental health, 63 per cent feel more isolated and anxious, 60 per cent feeling more depressed and nearly 20 per cent experienced an increase in thoughts of self-harm and suicide.