The study, released on Tuesday, found that the number of people with anxiety increased from 13% to 24% among young people aged 27 and 29, and that number was higher than their parents.
Even as lockdown restrictions eased in June, researchers found concerns remained high and said they expected this winter to continue.
The researchers used data from Bristol’s Children’s 90 health study, which recruited 14,500 pregnant women in 1991 and 1992, to collect nearly three decades of health and lifestyle data about mothers and their children, now close to 30.
While most of the participants were from the south-west of England, the findings were also found in an additional group of 1,000 Scottish individuals, who say the effects are not certain for the results of the study.
“The most detailed data from the 90’s questionnaire showed a worrying increase in the anxiety of children, young people – it seems to be due to an epidemic and a potential social and economic collapse due to lockdown measures to control the spread of the virus,” said co-lead researcher at the University of Bristol. Said Dr. Alex Kwong. “Evidence suggests that this will not be a short-term issue and that there is an urgent need for mental health assistance and intervention to reduce the mental health inequalities that have arisen.”
The study used data from previous years with findings from two of this year’s Covid-19 questionnaires to understand the impact of the epidemic on mental health.
Researchers have found that women with pre-existing health conditions, those living alone during epidemics, those with self-isolation and those with recent economic problems were at risk for poor mental health.
“The findings suggest that mental health needs to be protected at this time (especially to manage anxiety) and that mental health services should be supported,” said co-lead researcher Dr Rebecca Pierce. “It’s especially important to learn from the lockdown before we’re in another lockdown. The findings also provide evidence of supporting certain groups at greater mental health risk, such as living alone.”
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