Three-quarters of the UK population say their mental health has been negatively impacted by the pandemic, our research has found.
The figure is from our Public Perceptions Survey which found that 75% of people say their mental health has been hit by Covid crisis.
We’ve produced an infographic for Mental Health Awareness Week to show how much coronavirus has affected the nation.
Mental health
The most common reason for the pandemic having a negative impact on mental health is being separated from or unable to see friends, family or romantic partners (61%).
Other common reasons were anxiety or concern about friends of family members catching coronavirus (56%); feeling isolated (48%); anxiety or concern about catching coronavirus yourself (41%) and impact on the economy and job market (31%).
Almost three-quarters of people (74%) said the pandemic had made them more conscious of their own mental health while more than four out of five people (82%) say it’s made them more conscious of the mental health of their family and friends.
And more than two-thirds of people (69%) say mental health should be a priority in the recovery from the pandemic.
Dr Hadyn Williams, our Chief Executive, said: “Our survey underlines just how much the past year has affected the mental health of the nation.
“Three out of every four people say their mental health has been negatively impacted by the pandemic, which is staggering, and it’s likely to continue for a long time to come.
“People have had to deal with being separated from loved ones; bereavement; isolation; loss of employment and changes in circumstances. The list goes on.”
Our survey, which we conducted with YouGov, also found that 85% of people agree that it’s a good idea to seek therapy for a problem before it gets out of hand. The same percentage also agrees it’s important therapy should be accessible to everyone who wants it.
Almost three-quarters of people (73%) agree people might be happier if they talked to a counsellor or psychotherapist about their problems, while 65% agree it’s better to talk to someone about a problem rather than to take medication.
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we've produced an infographic to show how counselling changes lives.
Counselling changes lives
Dr Williams said: “We know counselling changes lives – and our research shows that the public recognises its value too.
“As we emerge from the pandemic and the full mental health impact unfolds, the need for therapeutic support will only increase.
“Our members will play a critical role in the short, medium and long term, supporting the mental health of the nation and helping people to adjust to life after the pandemic.
“It’s vital that people can access therapy when they need it,” he added.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 6305 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th February - 26th February 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 16+).
What therapy can help with
An A-Z list of issues and concerns which may be helped by talking to a counsellor.
How to get therapy
Where and how you can get access to counselling and psychotherapy, including free and paid for services
Types of therapy
An A-Z list of the different approaches, modalities or ways of working within counselling and psychotherapy.