The mental health impact of repeated COVID-19 enforced lockdowns in England: evidence from the UK Household Longitudinal Study

Dhensa-Kahlon, Rashpal K., Wan, Siu Tim, Coyle-Shapiro, Jacqueline A. -M. ORCID: 0000-0002-7658-7878 and Teoh, Kevin Rui-Han (2025) The mental health impact of repeated COVID-19 enforced lockdowns in England: evidence from the UK Household Longitudinal Study. BJPsych Open, 11 (1). ISSN 2056-4724

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Abstract

Background Research shows initial COVID-19 lockdowns increased population mental distress. Yet, the mental health impact of repeated lockdowns in England remains unknown. Aims To: (a) explore changes in population mental health symptoms over the COVID-19 pandemic period (March 2020 to March 2021) in England, comparing this with trends from a decade before (2009–2019) as well as after (2021–2023); (b) compare the mental health impact of each of the three lockdowns in England with periods of eased restrictions, determining who was most affected; (c) examine the impact of demographics and distinct time periods on the prevalence of mental health symptoms. Method A secondary analysis of a national longitudinal cohort study, utilising data from Waves 1–13 of the UK Household Longitudinal Study and from Waves 1–9 of the COVID-19 Survey. Mental health was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Student t-tests and logistical regressions were conducted. Results There was a significant increase in the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of mental health during England's pandemic period, encompassing three lockdowns, compared with the average of rates from 10 years before. Rates of reported mental health symptoms were not significantly different across each lockdown, but were significantly higher than pre-pandemic rates, declining with eased restrictions. Rates from the end of lockdown to May 2023 revealed elevated mental health symptoms compared with pre-pandemic. Elevated symptoms were observed for women, people homeworking, those with health conditions, individuals aged 30–45 years and those experiencing loneliness. Conclusion Repeated lockdowns in England had a substantial impact on mental health, indicating requirements for ongoing mental health support.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Management
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Date Deposited:	21 Jan 2025 10:36
Last Modified:	21 Jan 2025 10:36
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/126959

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