A study published in BMJ Mental Health has found that five major events over the past decade caused lasting deterioration in mental wellbeing across the UK population.
Researchers identified Brexit, the first and second Covid lockdowns, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Liz Truss's mini-budget as shocks that triggered serious rises in psychological distress. The study measured the impact by tracking increases in depression and anxiety across the population.
The research indicates these events caused damage that persisted beyond their immediate occurrence, rather than temporary spikes in mental distress that resolved quickly.
The study was published in BMJ Mental Health, a peer-reviewed journal. The Guardian reported the findings on 8 October 2026.