Stress, anxiety and depression far above normal levels

Research has indicated that restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus has driven stress, anxiety and depression far above normal levels and may rise again if widespread lockdowns return.

A new study, led by the University of Nottingham, analysed the mental health impact of the pandemic and found that in the early stages of lockdown 57 per cent of those who took part reported symptoms of anxiety, with 64 per cent recording common signs of depression.

Scientists warn that mental health problems, with improved as restrictions were eased, may worsen again as infections rise and more aggressive nationwide lockdowns are considered over the autumn and winter.

The study quizzed more than 3,000 UK adults about their mental health as stay-at-home restrictions came in earlier this year. The researchers looked specifically at which groups were most affected by lockdown and what issues they found most difficult. The research indicates that women, young people and those in high-risk categories for coronavirus were most affected, the researchers found, though different factors probably drove the mental health difficulties in each group.

Worrying about contracting coronavirus, feeling lonely, and not thinking positively were all strongly associated with how anxious and depressed people became.