Feelings of depression and anxiety ‘increased sharply over Christmas’

Depression and anxiety symptoms among Britons rose sharply over the Christmas period – despite there being no lockdown, according to a survey.

Although there were fewer restrictions compared with the previous festive season, research led by University College London found that depressive symptoms were on a par with levels during lockdown at the start of 2021.

The Covid-19 Social Study, which involved 31,151 participants, also found that the increase in depression and anxiety symptoms was most prominent in younger adults.

There was also a sharp decline in life satisfaction and happiness over the Christmas period, which was noted across all age groups.

The study also found:

– A decrease in confidence in the Government’s handling of the pandemic over Christmas among English and Welsh respondents –  which was most prominent in younger adults.

– A sharp increase in the proportion of people concerned about catching or becoming seriously ill with Covid. The survey found 43% of respondents were “majorly concerned” about catching the virus within the next three months, 46% were worried about becoming seriously ill, and 58% were concerned about family or friends catching it.

– More than one in two people were seriously concerned about developing long Covid.

– One in three people thought they had come into contact with Covid-19 over the Christmas period.

– Three in four people were concerned about non-Covid NHS treatment being cancelled, postponed or otherwise adversely affected in the next three months.

– Sixty-four percent of those surveyed had major concerns about hospitals being overwhelmed. These fears were greatest among adults over the age of 30 compared with adults aged 18-29.