Repeated lockdowns had a lasting impact on mental health, study finds
England's repeated COVID-19 related lockdowns had a substantial impact on the population's mental health, with effects likely persisting long after restrictions were eased.
A study from Birkbeck, University of London, has found that repeated COVID-19 lockdowns in England had a significant and lasting impact on mental health, with symptoms remaining elevated even after restrictions eased.
Led by Dr Rashpal Dhensa-Kahlon, the research analysed data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study spanning 2009 to 2023, and found that mental health symptoms were significantly higher during the three national lockdowns in 2020–2021 than in the decade prior. Although symptoms declined once restrictions were lifted, they remained elevated up to May 2023 - particularly for women, remote workers, those with health conditions, and individuals aged 30-45.
Notably, for young adults aged 18-29 and those experiencing loneliness, mental health symptoms did not significantly improve even after the final lockdown ended in March 2021. This suggests that some groups may have faced longer-term psychological effects and could still require ongoing support.
Dr Dhensa-Kahlon, from Birkbeck’s School of Psychological Sciences, commented
“Our study adds to identifying the mental health impact of repeated lockdowns on population mental health in England, as well as inequalities in who is most affected. Even one year post-pandemic, rates of mental health remained high, suggesting there are vulnerable groups still in need of mental health support. Additionally, being prepared for potential future periods of isolation in the form of support for vulnerable groups, backed up by resources made available by governments and policymakers, is vital.”
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