According to a nationwide longitudinal study, nearly a quarter of adults in the UK have experienced loneliness as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown.
Researchers conducted a survey with 2221 adults aged ≥18 years residing in the UK, as part of the 'Coronavirus: Mental Health and the Pandemic' project. The project was led by the Mental Health Foundation in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, Swansea University, University of Strathclyde and Queen’s University Belfast.
In the first round of the survey conducted in March, shortly before the lockdown was initiated, 10 per cent of all adults reported feeling lonely. The figure rose to 24 per cent by the beginning of April.
Among the young adults aged 18-24 years, 16 per cent reported feeling lonely just before the lockdown. This figure rose to 44 per cent after almost two weeks, when a complete lockdown was in place. One in three adults aged 25-34 years and one in six adults aged >55 years felt lonely as a result of the lockdown.
Dr Antonis Kousoulis, Director at the Mental Health Foundation, said: "Our data reveal that millions of people in the UK are experiencing feelings of loneliness – which is a key risk factor for developing or worsening mental health problems. The concern is that the longer the pandemic goes on, the more feelings become long-term. The impact of long-term loneliness on mental health can be very hard to manage."
