Living through lockdown: A qualitative exploration of individuals’ experiences in the UK

Abstract

In response to the COVID‐19 outbreak, the British government introduced a lockdown resulting in country wide restrictions on movement and socialisation. This research sought to explore individuals’ experience of the first lockdown in the UK. A qualitative online survey was conducted between April and June 2020. Using a convenience sample, 29 individuals participated in the study. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: ‘health and well‐being’, ‘social connectedness and belonging’, ‘employment and finances’ and ‘personal and collective values’. Participants’ experiences involved both challenges and opportunities. Participants reported challenges to their physical health, mental health, sense of connection to others as well as their employment and finances. However, they also viewed the lockdown as an opportunity to reassess their goals and values, and define a ‘new normal’ for society. Lockdown restrictions threatened individuals’ well‐being on many aspects of their lives. As anxiety, loneliness and a compromised grieving process may lead to severe mental health issues, early interventions are needed to prevent these and promote well‐being. Interventions may include traditional therapies (e.g. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), or focus specifically on developing social networks and social support (e.g. mutual help groups). These interventions may also be conducive to the experience of growth reported by some participants.

Differences in Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Relation to Changes in Living Conditions, Work Conditions, and Daily Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jordan

“…In the beginning of COVID-pandemic, all governments globally introduced a lockdown resulting in wide restrictions on movement and socialization that consequently increase the stress, anxiety, and depression of Jordanian people since they spent a lot of time and hours at home. Staying at home for long hours without socialization bring the challenge of loneliness that may impact the mental health; it is true that loneliness has been linked to worse health and psychological outcomes, such as higher rates of physical and mental illnesses and death ( Taylor et al, 2022 ). Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of governmental pandemic-related measures and restrictions, individuals in Jordan and worldwide have been exhibiting a diverse array of rapid psychological responses including stress, anxiety and depression as a result of many changing condition related to living, daily life, and work conditions, so shaping effective public health initiatives to support mental health, encourage healthy lifestyles, and lessen psychological issues and dread in at-risk populations during the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary.…”

Behavioral and Emotional Changes One Year after the First Lockdown Induced by COVID-19 in a French Adult Population

“…Deprived of social relations during the lockdown, they may have suffered from a lack of contact. Social relationships can alleviate distress and anxiety [ 42 ]. They were associated with lower stress levels, lower worry about COVID-19 and less fatigue [ 43 ].…”

2020 COVID-19-Related Lockdown: the Relationships Between Coping Strategies, Psychological Adjustment and Resilience Among a Non-clinical Sample of British Adults

“…These may include gratitude-based activities, encouraging individuals to focus on positive elements in their life (Seligman et al, 2005), practising mindfulness (Garland, et al, 2009) or undertaking cognitive behavioural therapy or acceptance commitment therapy (Heimberg & Ritter, 2008). In parallel, given that lockdown restrictions had a detrimental impact on socialisation (Killgore et al, 2020b), social connectedness and belonging, particularly among younger age groups (Taylor et al, 2022), interventions that promote a sense of connection, such as social prescribing, mutual help groups, may be beneficial. Indeed, Coulombe et al (2020) suggest that social participation, whether group membership or volunteering can be protective factors when facing difficult events.…”

“…A pilot study established survey completion to be 20-25 min. Participants were also asked if they would be willing to take part in a complementary qualitative survey (Taylor et al, 2022).…”