A study by Morneau Shepell, a leader in integrated HR solutions, announced today that Britons are experiencing a sharp increase in depression and anxiety due to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic fallout.
Morneau Shepell’s new Mental Health Index shows that a significant majority (74 per cent) of respondents report the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health, while 97 per cent of respondents say that they have experienced some type of personal disruption.
The Mental Health Index also shows that close to half (42-per-cent) of the people experiencing disruption believe that they will be able to cope, while another 32-per-cent indicate greater concern and uncertainly regarding their ability to cope. 44-per-cent of those individuals reported experiencing a very negative impact or crisis.
In April, Britons had a mental health score of 61, compared to the benchmark of 75. That places the typical Briton at the same level of the lowest one percent of the benchmark, indicating a population in serious distress. The 14-point drop in mental health is unparalleled during the three-year period in which Morneau Shepell collected benchmark data.
Those who were employed within the previous six months but are not currently, those who identify as female, those with two or more children and those between 40-49 years of age reported the largest increases in stress.
Similarly, households with incomes between £60k-£100K per annum experienced the greatest increase in stress in April compared to other income groups.
“While the immediate focus has been on dealing with the physical health and safety concerns surrounding the escalation of COVID-19, this index demonstrates just how deeply Britons’ mental health is being impacted by the pandemic,” said Philip Mullen, managing director, UK and Europe. “Paying attention to the mental health of working Britons is important to quality of life and business productivity. Companies that invest in the mental health of their workforces can help their people recover a sense of well-being and normalcy in their lives as we work together to seek a way forward.”
Fear of losing loved ones and getting ill remain highest concerns
The Mental Health Index also measured specific concerns and fears related to the pandemic. The most pervasive concerns affecting Britons’ mental health include:
- fear of losing a loved one (53 per cent);
- getting ill with COVID-19 (42 per cent);
- the financial impact of the pandemic (41 per cent);
- uncertainty around how the virus will impact family and relationships (29 per cent); and
- fear of dying from COVID-19 (27 per cent).
Paula Allen, senior vice president of research, analytics and innovation said “This research establishes an important national baseline for the mental health of British workers and has direct implications for individuals, employers and governments as we seek to move beyond the pandemic,”
“By working together, we can provide mental health support to those who need it, minimizing long-term damage and enabling us to bounce back even stronger than before.”
The full U.K. report can be found here.
