Millions at risk as number of Brits suffering depression due to Covid DOUBLES during pandemic
MILLIONS could be at risk as the number of Brits suffering from depression doubled during the pandemic, new figures suggest.
One in five Brits are now struggling with depression as a result of the coronavirus crisis, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.
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Figures show almost one in 10 adults – or 9.7 per cent – suffered some sort of depression between July 2019 and March 2020.
But when the same group was assessed again in June, the figure had risen to nearly one in five – or 19.2 per cent.
The figures also showed that younger women who were on the breadline were the most likely to be affected by poor mental health.
Stress and anxiety were cited for the majority, or 84 per cent, of those experiencing some sort of depression, while 42 per cent said their relationships had been affected.
The ONS research examined data from the same 3,500 British adults both before and during the pandemic.
Depression… the signs to look out for
We can all do our bit to help prevent deaths from suicide during these uncertain times.
There are several warning signs that a person is at risk of suicide. But it's vital to know that they won't always be obvious.
While some people are quite visibly in pain and become withdrawn and depressed, others may continue their life as normal pretending everything is fine.
Look out for subtle personality changes in friends and family, especially if you know they have been going through a tough time, Lorna Fraser of the Samaritans told The Sun Online.
These are the key signs to watch out for in not just your loved ones, but yourself too…
- A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating less than normal
- Struggling to sleep, lacking energy or appearing particularly tired
- Drinking, smoking or using drugs more than usual
- Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
- Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
- Becoming withdrawn from friends and family – not wanting to talk or be with people
- Appearing more tearful
- Appearing restless, agitated, nervous, irritable
- Putting themselves down in a serious or jokey way, for example 'Oh, no one loves me', or 'I'm a waste of space'
- Losing interest in their appearance, not liking or taking care of themselves or feeling they don't matter
Statisticians found those most likely to say they had been affected by depression in June were younger adults (aged 16 to 39), women, those "unable to afford an unexpected expense", and disabled people.
Depressive symptoms include low mood and loss of interest and enjoyment in ordinary things.
The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign to raise awareness of mental health and suicide, and to know the warning signs to look out for.
Different levels
Researchers also examined the levels of depression – which are classed as mild, moderate or severe depression.
One in eight adults developed moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the pandemic, while 6.2 per cent already were already experiencing symptoms at this level.
Of those experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the pandemic, 62 per cent said they felt lonely "often or always", compared with 15 per cent of those with no or mild depressive symptoms.
Just 3.5 per cent saw an improvement during the same timeframe.
Tim Vizard, from the ONS, said: "Today's research provides an insight into the mental health of adults during the coronavirus pandemic.
"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.
"Nearly one in five adults were experiencing some form of depression during the pandemic, almost doubling from around one in 10 before.
"Adults who are young, female, unable to afford an unexpected expense or disabled were the most likely to experience some form of depression during the pandemic."
Nearly one in five adults were experiencing some form of depression during the pandemic – almost double
Commenting on the figures, Dr Billy Boland, chairman of the General Adult Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "The doubling in the numbers of people experiencing depressive symptoms is another warning of the looming mental health crisis and the tsunami of referrals we are expecting over the coming months.
"Isolation, bereavement and financial insecurity are some of the reasons why the nation's mental health has deteriorated since the start of the pandemic.
"The Government must speed up the investment to mental health services if we are to treat the growing numbers of people living with depression and other mental illnesses."
Crucial help
Mark Winstanley, chief executive of the charity Rethink Mental Illness, said: "These statistics underline the mental health impact on the population at large, and also highlight the groups in society who more be more vulnerable to developing mental health problems, such as young adults, disabled people and those facing financial instability.
"Mental health problems can affect every aspect of a person's life.
"It's crucial that people seek help to manage depressive symptoms and are able to access services when they need them to prevent further deterioration in their health.
It's crucial that people seek help to manage depressive symptoms and are able to access services when they need them to prevent further deterioration in their health
"We anticipate a significant increase in demand for services and support due to the pandemic, but it's crucial to recognise that the responsibility for mental health goes beyond the NHS and demands a cross-government approach.
"Support with employment, housing and financial problems, for example, must all be prioritised now the country is in recession, and recognised for their role in supporting people's mental health during a time of great uncertainty and strain."
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- Movember,www.uk.movember.com
Sophie Corlett, director of external relations at Mind, said: "It's worrying to see an increase in the number of people experiencing depression.
"We cannot underestimate the impact that the pandemic has had on the nation's mental health – whether that's bereavement, the devastating loss of life, the impact of lockdown, or the recession we are now in.
"It's crucial that mental health and wellbeing are put at the centre of the UK Government's ongoing recovery plans, so that we can rebuild as a kinder and fairer society for everyone."
Claire Murdoch, national mental health director for the NHS in England, said: "The pandemic has turned lives upside down and for some people it will have put greater strain on their mental health, and while some people will have had understandable concerns about seeking help during lockdown, NHS services have been available for those who need them.
"The NHS will continue to maximise support on offer, including through online and telephone advice and the establishment of 24/7 crisis services, so I would urge anyone concerned about their mental health to come forward for help – the NHS is here for you."
The Every Mind Matters portal has information on coronavirus and wellbeing and the charity Samaritans has a freephone number – 116 123
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