Pandemic one year on: landmark mental health study reveals mixed picture in Scotland, as anxiety falls but loneliness rises
Responses from Scottish adults:
• Anxiety about the pandemic has fallen among Scottish adults, from 64 per cent of those surveyed in March 2020 to 44 per cent in February 2021.
• Loneliness has risen, from 11 per cent of those surveyed in March 2020 to 29 per cent in February 2021.
• Fewer Scottish adults feel they are coping well with the stress of the pandemic. In April 2020, 76 per cent said they were coping well and in February 2021, 65 per cent said this.
• Feelings of hopelessness have risen. In March 2020, 15 per cent of Scottish adults said they had felt hopeless about the pandemic over the previous fortnight. In February 2021, 20 per cent said this.
• Ten per cent of Scottish adults surveyed in April 2020 said they had had thoughts and feelings about suicide in the previous two weeks. This rose to 13 per cent in February 2021.
• Young adults (18-24 year olds), full-time students, single parents, people who are unemployed and those with pre-existing problems with their mental health continue to be significantly more likely to be feeling distressed, across a range of measures, compared with Scottish adults generally.
The Study is believed to be one of the first to have systematically tracked people’s mental health during an epidemic or pandemic. It began shortly before lockdown and has since asked questions of the Scottish public on 10 occasions.
Notes to Editors
About the Study:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size in March 2020 was 1,015 Scottish adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 17th - 19th March 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults in Scotland (aged 18+).
Total sample size in April 2020 was 1,028 Scottish adults 18+. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd - 7th April 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+).
Total sample size in February 2021 was 2,039 Scottish adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 23rd February - 1st March 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+).
The Mental Health Foundation is leading and sponsoring this 4-nation longitudinal study. It is using repeated cross-sectional surveys, via YouGov. Survey participants are different on each sampling occasion but taken from the same pool and always representative of the UK population.
The survey covers approximately 20 topics, including the pandemic’s impact on mental health and the key drivers of risk. The lead academic partner is the University of Cambridge. The other academic partners are Swansea University, Strathclyde University, Queen’s University Belfast and De Montfort University Leicester. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Cambridge Psychology Research Ethics Committee.
The study also uses focus groups to gather qualitative information. We produce regular briefings. Our data can be used to inform policy action. We welcome suggestions for briefing topics that would be interesting and important to inform action.
The Mental Health Foundation: Our vision is of good mental health for all. The Mental Health Foundation works to prevent mental health problems. We will drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to lead mentally healthy lives with a particular focus on those at greatest risk. The Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week. It is also producing a growing library of information about looking after our mental health during the pandemic.
Read the Samaritans’ media guidelines for reporting suicide to find out how to cover suicide and self-harm safely. Samaritans are available 365 days a year. Calls are free on 116 123 and people can email them at [email protected]
About the Mental Health Foundation
- Our vision is of good mental health for all.
- The Mental Health Foundation works to prevent mental health problems.
- We drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to lead mentally healthy lives with a particular focus on those at greatest risk.
- The Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week.
- www.mentalhealth.org.uk