Depression doubled during the pandemic - what to look for and what can you do to help?

Site Admin • 15 May 2021
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source: ITV News
published: 6 May 2021

Rates of depression have more than doubled since before the coronavirus pandemic, yet despite this fewer people than ever have been seeking help from their GP.


Just over a fifth of people in Britain experienced some form of depression between January 27 and March 7 2021, more than double the pre-pandemic figure, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).


The impact was felt more greatly in younger adults, women and people who live alone - with 43% of women aged between 16 to 29 reporting some form of depression.


The ONS also said on Wednesday during the first stage of the pandemic between March 23 and August 31 2020 there was almost a 30% drop in the number of people being diagnosed with depression by their GP compared to 2019.


Theodore Joloza, Principal Research Officer for the ONS, said while GP diagnoses have fallen self-reporting of depression has increased, adding: "The picture is one of a rising toll on mental health, with many people not necessarily accessing medical help."

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