How Do Lockdowns Impact Mental Health in People with Depression?

What you need to know

• People with a history of depression experienced significantly more psychological distress during lockdown compared to those without mental health conditions
• Feelings of loneliness and boredom were major predictors of depression, anxiety and insomnia symptoms
• Regular physical activity and maintaining virtual social connections helped protect against psychological symptoms

The Challenge of Lockdown for Mental Health

We all remember the sudden lifestyle changes that came with COVID-19 lockdowns - being confined at home, limited social contact, and disrupted daily routines. While this was challenging for everyone, some people were particularly vulnerable to the psychological impact. Understanding who was most affected and what helped build resilience could help us better support mental health during future crises.

A Tale of Two Groups

This study compared two groups during the first French lockdown in 2020 - 346 patients who had experienced a depressive episode in the previous two years, and 69 healthy participants without any psychiatric history. The researchers examined various psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, insomnia and suicidal thoughts, as well as living conditions and lifestyle factors.

Key Findings

The results painted a clear picture - people with a history of depression struggled significantly more during lockdown. Over half reported serious psychological distress, compared to only 16% of the healthy group. They experienced more depression, anxiety, insomnia and suicidal thoughts.

Surprisingly, these differences weren’t explained by living conditions or lifestyle changes, which were similar between groups. What mattered more were emotional experiences - particularly feelings of loneliness and boredom.

Protective Factors Emerged

The research identified several factors that helped protect mental health:

• Regular physical activity reduced depression, anxiety and insomnia
• Daily virtual social contacts decreased suicidal thoughts
• Having a support system helped combat loneliness
• Engaging in activities helped prevent boredom

However, concerning findings showed that half of patients with depression had no psychiatric care during lockdown, highlighting gaps in mental health support during the crisis.

What This Means for You

If you or someone you know has experienced depression, these findings offer practical guidance:

1. Prioritize regular physical activity - even short daily exercise can help
2. Maintain social connections through calls and video chats
3. Structure your day with engaging activities to prevent boredom
4. Reach out for professional support if needed - many providers now offer telehealth options
5. Pay attention to feelings of loneliness and take active steps to stay connected

Conclusions

• People with a history of depression need additional support during periods of social isolation
• Regular physical activity and social connection are powerful protectors of mental health
• Mental health services should proactively reach out to vulnerable patients during crises