‘Anxiety and depression spiked after lockdown’

Increase in mental health cases after PM announced stay-at-home rules

The number of people reporting significant levels of depression and anxiety spiked following the prime minister’s lockdown announcement last week, a new study into mental health has revealed.

Research by Sheffield University and Ulster University has shown there was a sharp increase following the decision to restrict movement and shut nonessential shops, pubs and restaurants on March 23.

On Tuesday March 24, 38% of the 2,000 people surveyed across the UK reported significant levels of depression and anxiety and 36% reported significant anxiety.

On the day before the announcement, 16% reported significant depression and anxiety, according to the largest representative study of the pandemic’s impact on mental health.

The team of experts, led by professor Richard Bentall at Sheffield University, carried out a psychological survey of 2,000 people between March 23 and 27.

The rates remained higher later in the week, but not as high as immediately after the announcement, with more than 20% on each subsequent day reporting significant levels of depression and anxiety.

Prof Bentall said: “We are seeing initial evidence of a rise in psychological symptoms in the population but nonetheless, the overall picture that emerges so far is of a nation that is well-informed about Covid-19, taking appropriate action and being resilient.

“The rates of reported mental health problems are higher but not dramatically different to those observed in previous, similar surveys – but those who have already taken a financial hit are more likely to feel anxious or depressed.”

Mental Health Foundation senior policy manager Toni Giugliano said the spike was “worrying but unsurprising”.

“There’s great concern that these levels of anxiety will continue to grow.

“However, it’s important to reassure people that it’s OK to feel low or anxious right now.

“That means it’s going to be important that we’re able to reach out and talk openly about our mental health.”

“We should also remember there are things we can all do as a society and on an individual level to prevent mental health problems from escalating.”

Mental health advice has been added to the NHS Inform website.

Samaritans operate a 24-hour helpline available every day of the year on 116 123.