What impact did the first Covid lockdown have on people’s mental well-being?
Using data from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey we have mapped the percentage change in four key indicators of well-being from the months before and during the first Covid lockdown.
Visualising the changes in anxiety and happiness levels, as well as life satisfaction and feeling life is worthwhile from April 2019 to March 2020 and April to September 2020, the maps highlight the varied impact Covid had on people’s wellbeing.
People in local authorities such as Hambleton and Mid Devon reported feeling over 14% happier during the first lockdown than in the year before.
However, over 60% of areas in the UK saw a decrease in happiness levels, and 71% reported feeling more anxious than in the previous time period.
Exeter saw the greatest decrease in feeling life was worthwhile (-13.29%) whilst Oadby and Wigston reported the greatest increase in life satisfaction.
To see the effect of the first Covid lockdown in your area, use the interactive tool below, or click here