UCL Study Links UK Mental Health Decline to Brexit and Lockdowns
What happened
Researchers at University College London used UK Household Longitudinal Study data from 2009 to 2024 to estimate the mental health impact of five systemic shocks. These shocks included Brexit, Liz Truss’s mini-budget, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the first and second Covid lockdowns. The study found that these events led to a serious and lasting deterioration in the UK population’s mental health.
From theguardian.com
Why it matters
The research highlights concerns that 2.8 million Britons are too sick to work and nearly 1 million young people aged 16 to 24 have become 'Neets.' The findings suggest that major government decisions and global events can have substantial impacts on people’s mental health.
Boris Johnson led Britain during the Covid-19 pandemic and the UK voters voted to leave the EU.
From theguardian.com
Who's involved
- University College LondonLed the research study using UK Household Longitudinal Study data
- Boris JohnsonHis lockdown order was cited as one of the systemic shocks
- Liz TrussHer mini-budget was cited as one of the systemic shocks
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Department for Work and PensionsSpeculative
Might see increased demand for social security and benefits due to poor mental health.
- Department of Health and Social CareSpeculative
Could face increased demand for mental health services due to systemic shocks and poor wellbeing.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Mental health crisis puts pressure on Department of Health and Social CareThe Department of Health and Social Care faces increased demand for mental health servicesLikely
- Mental health crisis could put fiscal pressure on Chancellor ReevesIncreased mental health demand could strain government budgetLikely
- Mental health crisis may increase demand on DWP benefitsIncreased mental ill-health may strain the Department for Work and PensionsPossible
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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University College London
public research university in London, England, United Kingdom
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England
country in north-west Europe, part of the United Kingdom
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Boris Johnson
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022