News

In this April 13, 2020, file photo, a sign above an underpass in London advises drivers to stay at home. Rates of depression appear to have almost doubled in Britain since the country was put into lockdown in late March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, The Office for National Statistics said in a special study released on Aug. 18. (Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP, file)

UK Reports Troubling Spike in Depression During Lockdown

By The Associated Press August 18, 2020 at 8:14am

Rates of depression appear to have almost doubled in Britain since the country was put into lockdown in late March, according to the country’s official statistics agency.

The Office for National Statistics said in a special study released Tuesday that 19.2 percent of adults were likely to be experiencing symptoms of depression in June, three months into the lockdown of large chunks of society and the economy.

That proportion is up from 9.7 percent recorded between July 2019 and March.

The statistics agency, which assessed the same 3,527 adults before and during the pandemic, said 85 percent reported feelings of stress or anxiety.

“Revisiting this same group of adults before and during the pandemic provides a unique insight into how their symptoms of depression have changed over time,” statistician Tim Vizard said.

During the height of the lockdown, which was imposed on March 23, people were isolated from friends and family, and often alone — an isolation that has the potential to cause mental harm.

Many people have also been worried about their jobs and future financial well-being as the economy nose-dived in the face of the restrictions on everyday life.

Though all age brackets reported higher levels of depression, the study found that adults between 16 and 39 years of age were proportionately more likely to do so, with nearly a third reporting symptoms of depression.

Do you believe lockdowns have done more harm than good?

Vizard said young adults, women or disabled people were the “most likely” to experience some form of depression during the lockdown.

According to the study, one in eight adults, or 12.9 percent, developed moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the pandemic.

[jwplayer 2Q31dvQZ]

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

Submit a Correction →

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:

Coronavirus, Depression, United Kingdom, WJ Wire, World news

The Associated Press

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Their teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting. They provide content and services to help engage audiences worldwide, working with companies of all types, from broadcasters to brands. Photo credit: @AP on Twitter

@AP

Facebook

The Associated Press was the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. Over the past 170 years, they have been first to inform the world of many of history's most important moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the fall of the Shah of Iran and the death of Pope John Paul.

Today, they operate in 263 locations in more than 100 countries relaying breaking news, covering war and conflict and producing enterprise reports that tell the world's stories.

Location

New York City