More people signed off sick with mental health problems during lockdown, analysis reveals

More people signed off sick with mental health problems during lockdown, analysis reveals. Millions of people expected to need help after effect of coronavirus on UK

A GP fit note is issued after the first seven days of sickness absence if a doctor agrees the patient is too ill to work

The proportion of people applying for fit notes from their GP for mental health reasons jumped 6% during lockdown in England, according to new research.

It adds to growing concern the UK will see a surge in mental health problems as a result of the pandemic and the impact on society and the economy.

It could be the first signs of increasing mental health illnesses since the pandemic started.

The Centre for Mental Health think tank has warned the government needs to prepare for the aftermath of COVID-19.

Its analysis, based on research into COVID-19 and the effects of other epidemics on mental health, predicts 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. That is the equivalent of 20 per cent of all adults and 15 per cent of all children. A third of patients would need help for the first time.

Read full story

Source: Independent, 6 December 2020