A groundbreaking study has found that Covid, Brexit and the Liz Truss mini-budget led to a lasting decline in mental health across the UK. Researchers from University College London (UCL) discovered that these major events triggered significant and sustained increases in psychological distress among the population.
Study Links Major Shocks to Mental Health Decline
The research, led by Dr Annie Jeffery of UCL, analyzed data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, which tracked 87,857 people aged 16 and older from 2009 to 2024. The study focused on five systemic shocks: the first and second Covid lockdowns, Brexit, the Truss mini-budget, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Each event was associated with a sharp rise in depression and anxiety, with effects persisting long after the initial shock.
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Dr Jeffery noted, "The past decade or so has been tumultuous, shaped by multiple overlapping shocks and ongoing uncertainty and instability that have impacted mental health in Britain." The findings underscore how government decisions and global events can have profound and enduring effects on public well-being.
Key Findings on Mental Health and Economic Shocks
- Covid lockdowns caused the largest immediate spike in psychological distress.
- Brexit led to a prolonged period of uncertainty, worsening mental health.
- The Truss mini-budget triggered financial stress and anxiety, particularly among working-age adults.
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine added to global instability, compounding existing distress.
- Long-term impact: Mental health deterioration persisted for years after each shock.
Comparing the Impact of Different Shocks
The study quantified the mental health impact of each shock, revealing varying degrees of distress. The table below summarizes the estimated increase in psychological distress associated with each event.
| Shock | Estimated Increase in Distress | Duration of Impact |
|---|---|---|
| First Covid lockdown | High | 12+ months |
| Second Covid lockdown | Moderate | 6-12 months |
| Brexit | Moderate | 24+ months |
| Truss mini-budget | High | 12-18 months |
| Ukraine invasion | Moderate | 6-12 months |
Implications for Policy and Public Health
The findings come as Professor Peter Fonagy prepares to publish a government-commissioned inquiry into the rising diagnoses of mental illness, ADHD, and autism. With a record 2.8 million Britons too sick to work and nearly 1 million young people classified as "Neets" (not in education, employment, or training), the study highlights the urgent need for robust mental health support and economic stability.
Dr Jeffery emphasized that major government decisions and global events can have substantial impacts on people's mental health. Policymakers must consider the psychological toll of political and economic shocks when making decisions.
FAQ
What did the study find about Covid, Brexit and the Truss mini-budget?
The study found that these events caused a serious and lasting deterioration in the UK population's mental health, with significant rises in depression and anxiety that persisted for months or years.
How did researchers measure the mental health impact?
Researchers used data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study of 87,857 people aged 16 and older, collected annually between 2009 and 2024, to estimate the mental health impact of five systemic shocks.
What are the implications for government policy?
The findings suggest that policymakers must consider the psychological toll of political and economic decisions, and invest in mental health support to mitigate the effects of future shocks.
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