A new study suggests that people who live in a large city are 40 per cent more likely to encounter mental health conditions, while urban living raises the risk of anxiety disorder by 21 per cent.

The research has inspired documentary filmmakers to create an online video series about the lives of different people living with mental illnesses in London.

The first episode of Mental Health in the Metropolis follows Sabrina Greenberg, a 31-year-old office manager living with anxiety disorder.

Ms Greenberg explains how urban conditions have the potential to cause her high levels of mental distress – and can often lead to unexpected panic attacks.

Her experiences echo previous research that suggests that the busy, fast-paced and somewhat anti-social nature of urban living can have a negative impact on mental health, or exacerbate symptoms in those who are already living with a pre-diagnosed mental health condition.

In the episode, Ms Greenberg talks about how her hobbies – which include regular exercise, writing a blog and going to the gym – help her to alleviate her symptoms.

The first episode of Mental Health in the Metropolis can be accessed on the London Evening Standard’s website.