Under-55s suffering most as rates of stress and anxiety double in lockdown

THE coronavirus lockdown has more than doubled rates of stress and anxiety among Britons, with the under-55s suffering most, according to research.

More than four in 10 people said they have experienced mental health problems, compared to roughly 17 per cent in normal times.

Women and those under the age of 55 are most likely to report experiencing difficulties.

The survey, carried out five weeks into the first lockdown, found

95% of respondents were following restrictions, but eight in 10 were finding it “challenging”.

Lead author Dr Chris Keyworth, a psychologist at the University of Manchester, said: “More than 40% of people said they struggled with their mental health.

“This is interesting because, in comparison, according to a 2016 study, one in six people reported experiencing a common mental health problem in a given week in England.

“This goes some way in quantifying the profound effect the restrictions had on the population at the time.”

The nationwide study of 2,252 adults found adapting to a different schedule was hardest. This was followed by the impact on their mental wellbeing. Then came issues surrounding physical health.

Dr Keyworth said: “Our research shows a high proportion did stick to the Government rules.

“Understanding the impact of this on mental health is vital when looking at how to encourage people to do this long term and into the future.

“The first step is to identify the biggest challenges people faced and for which age group and gender.”

The study, published in Preventive Medicine, highlights the importance of tailoring health messages to age groups, genders or those with certain characteristics.

Co-author Professor Chris Armitage said: “The findings show that, by and large, the British public have been adhering to Government Covid-19 instructions, but following the lockdown rules comes at a personal cost.

“Greater attention needs to be paid to how following the rules can be sustained with targeted support measures.”

The researchers said interventions that prioritise the physical, psychological and social impacts of the pandemic are required urgently.

These may include helping people to change habits and establish new routines when faced with the sudden introduction of strict rules such as lockdown.

Greater investment in services to improve physical and mental health that can be delivered remotely should also be a priority.

Home-based initiatives to promote physical health should be developed, added the researchers.

They also recommended more work to improve access to healthcare professionals remotely.

These resources should then be targeted at women, those under 55 and people without care commitments, who were identified as the most likely to struggle.