Despite the easing of Covid, Europeans face major mental health problems – survey

Oct 6 (Reuters) – The number of Europeans reporting “bad” or “very bad” mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic is rising even after the end of lockdowns, a new poll showed on Thursday.

According to a survey of 200,000 people by an EU agency, people who reported “bad” or “very bad” mental health in 2010 In March 2020, it doubled from 6.4% at the beginning of the crisis, to 12.7% two years later, despite the easing of restrictions.

“Many hoped that mental health would improve as society reopened. However, the risk of depression in the spring of 2022 continues to be a concern for many people,” he said, adding that the issue is high for young people.

of Online surveysIn the year From March 2020 to May 2022, many people in the 27 EU countries will struggle to make ends meet and risk more energy poverty, especially due to high inflation.

53% of respondents reported that their families were struggling to make ends meet in spring 2022, compared to 47% at the start of the pandemic, according to a separate Eurofound report.

“High risk (about finances) and uncertainty about the future may continue to have a negative impact on mental health,” he said.

Additionally, one in five respondents reported unmet health care needs, particularly in terms of hospital and mental health specialist care.

Reporting by Dina Cartwright; Edited by Andrew Cawthorne

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