New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Science & Tech
  2. Coronavirus
16 April 2020updated 04 Sep 2021 6:26pm

Nearly half of Britons suffering from high anxiety because of coronavirus crisis

Nearly half of Britons (47 per cent) are suffering from high levels of anxiety as a consequence of the coronavirus crisis, according to data from an Office For National Statistics (ONS) survey. 

One in five adults reported feelings of loneliness. 53 per cent said the outbreak had affected their well-being, and of those people, 72 per cent said they were worrying about the future, 46 per cent said they felt bored, and 26 per cent said their mental health had worsened. 

The survey also shone a light on the different activities the public are turning to in order to cope with the lockdown. Staying in touch with family and friends over the phone, social media or video conferencing was the most popular method of coping (77 per cent), followed by watching films (55 per cent), spending time with others in the same property (54 per cent) and daily exercise outside the house (47 per cent).

Other coping mechanisms included reading (39 per cent), gardening (38 per cent), and cooking (34 per cent). Just 14 per cent of people reported using the lockdown period to learn something new.

The ONS surveyed UK residents between 27 March and 6 April.

Content from our partners
Why Rachel Reeves needs to focus on food in schools
No health, no growth
Tackling cancer waiting times