Depression doubled during the pandemic - what to look for and what can you do to help?

Site Admin • 15 May 2021
People in a staff meeting

source: ITV News
published: 6 May 2021

Rates of depression have more than doubled since before the coronavirus pandemic, yet despite this fewer people than ever have been seeking help from their GP.


Just over a fifth of people in Britain experienced some form of depression between January 27 and March 7 2021, more than double the pre-pandemic figure, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).


The impact was felt more greatly in younger adults, women and people who live alone - with 43% of women aged between 16 to 29 reporting some form of depression.


The ONS also said on Wednesday during the first stage of the pandemic between March 23 and August 31 2020 there was almost a 30% drop in the number of people being diagnosed with depression by their GP compared to 2019.


Theodore Joloza, Principal Research Officer for the ONS, said while GP diagnoses have fallen self-reporting of depression has increased, adding: "The picture is one of a rising toll on mental health, with many people not necessarily accessing medical help."

See the full details here >

Distressed man
by Site Admin 11 May 2025
The chair of England's first public inquiry into mental health deaths vowed to "seek out the truth" - despite difficulties getting documents from the NHS.
People at a conference
by Admin Team 11 May 2025
The Power of Us conference was a step forward, but it is only one step in a much larger journey. The hope is that we continue to challenge and think critically about inclusion and equity.
a woman gazing forward
by Admin Team 11 May 2025
Over the past 12 months, we've had over 200 conversations with Black carers, patients and users of mental health services about the things that matter to them when receiving services.
Man walking through a door
by Site Admin 11 May 2025
Catalyst 4 Change is proud to serve as the lead and accountable organisation for the Pathways to Independence project, delivered in partnership with a range of community-led organisations.
More posts