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November 2020

How has Covid-19 – and the associated lockdown measures – affected mental health and wellbeing in the UK?

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How has Covid-19 – and the associated lockdown measures – affected mental health and wellbeing in the UK?
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The quick read: what you need to know

  • Anxiety and depression increased in the UK as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, with people’s mental health affected by both adverse experiences regarding their health, jobs and finances as well as worries about what might happen in the future. Anxiety and depression have fallen since the highs seen at the start of lockdown but remain above pre-pandemic levels.
  • Anxiety and depression have been highest among young adults, those living alone, those living in urban areas, and people with lower household income, with children, and with a diagnosed mental illness.
  • How we spend our time is important for our mental health. Outdoor exercise and gardening can improve our mental health, while spending too much time following the news can be harmful.

 

Close The quick read: what you need to know

Mental health, wellbeing, and Covid-19

Covid-19 worries and experiences affect mental health

Sources of stress

Depression and anxiety fell during lockdown, but may be rising now

How Covid-19 has affected groups differently

Implications for a wellbeing-based recovery

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