Two new surveys carried out during the COVID-19 lockdowns this spring show anxiety and depression is widespread across the United States.
Researchers say the gloominess is due in part to social distancing and reduced physical activity.
In one PLOS ONE survey, 42% of twins reported declining physical activity levels in March during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in the US.
In the second survey, the CDC said 41% of participants reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition related to the pandemic.
Another 31% indicated they had symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder. 26% reported symptoms from trauma- and stressor-related disorders.
In addition, 11% of respondents said they ‘seriously considered suicide’ in the 30 days prior to completing the survey.
