Lockdown prompts staff mental health sickness rise

New figures from NHS Digital show that the proportion of people applying for fit notes from their GP for mental health reasons rose by six per cent during lockdown.

The discovery means that mental health problems now account for almost four in 10 of all sick notes signed by GPs. While the overall number of fit notes dropped during the first wave lockdown between March and June as 26 per cent of the population were furloughed, the numbers issued for mental health reasons increased almost six per cent, compared to what would be expected.

Between April 2019 and March 2020 a total of 247,791 fit notes were issued, 86,961 of which were for mental health and behavioural disorders – the equivalent of 35 per cent. Between April, May, and June this year a total of 163,250 fit notes were issued, of which 67,105 were for mental health reasons, meaning this made up 41 per cent of the total.

The Centre for Mental Health think tank has warned the government needs to prepare for the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. There is increasing concern that the UK will see a surge in mental health problems as a result of the pandemic and the impact on society and the economy.

Analysis predicts that 8.5 million adults and 1.5 million children in England will need support for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and other mental health difficulties in the coming months and years. In other words, that is the equivalent of 20 per cent of all adults and 15 per cent of all children.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak earmarked an extra £500 million for mental health services as part of the recent Spending Review, and NHS England has committed to maintaining spending on mental health despite the impact of coronavirus on other parts of the NHS.