Eight questions that indicate depression as mental illness in Brits on the rise

appears to be increasing across Britain with almost one in five adults now depressed. The Office for National Statistics questioned a representative sample of 4,600 people aged over 16 and found 18% experienced “moderate to severe depressive symptoms” during April 2025. This is up from 16% the last time this survey was conducted in autumn 2022.

The latest edition of the Public Opinions and Social Trends poll indicates 26% of Brits aged 16 to 29 were depressed last month. The mental health charity SANE warns social media and the breakdown of families were contributing to a “lost and lonely generation”.

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Overall almost one in five Brits are considered to be depressed which is around double the 10% when survey was conducted before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019/20.

Marjorie Wallace, chief executive office at SANE, said: “Today’s alarming figures from the ONS reveal the increasing mental health problems in younger people, which are not just due to more awareness and overdiagnosis as is sometimes claimed, but also likely to be linked to the effects of 24/7 exposure to social media as well as other factors such as the fragmentation of family structure. We are in danger of creating a lost and lonely generation, disconnected from themselves, their families and real friends.”

Depression rates decreased with age with it affecting 26% of those aged 16 to 29, 20% of those 30 to 49, 18% of those 50 to 69 and 8% of those aged 70 and over.

Marjorie Wallace added: “Without treatment, depression can deteriorate and persist. In severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or suicide. More than 50% of callers to our helpline, particularly younger people, mention self-harm and suicidal thoughts - ten years ago it was 10 to 15%.”

Prof Stella Chan, the Charlie Waller Chair in Evidence-based Psychological Treatment at Reading University, said: "Mental health is a serious health challenge in the UK. The data does seem to suggest that mental wellbeing improves with age, which is consistent with research literature in psychology suggesting that as we age, we develop more adaptive ways to maintain a balanced view of life. It is important to remember that depression, stress, and mental health problems can affect anyone at any age and that accessible support for all ages is absolutely vital."

Rates of suspected depression shot up in Britain since Covid-19 from 10% prevalence according to the ONS survey covering July 2019 to March 2020. It peaked at around 23% in January to March 2021 at the height of the pandemic and had then started to drop off. The survey from July to August 2021 saw it drop to 17% and by September October 2022 it had fallen again to 16%. The latest national poll shows the first rise since the pandemic.

To identify depression the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ8) was devised by experts at Columbia University in the US and pharmaceutical firm Pfizer. Participants answer eight questions such as: “Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?”

The answers ranged from zero (Not at all) to three (Nearly every day). A "depression score" is then produced from zero to 24 and the higher the score, the greater the severity of depressive symptoms. Anything over ten indicates “moderate to severe depressive symptoms”, or suspected depression.

Eight questions that may indicate you are depressed

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling tired or having little energy?

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having a poor appetite or overeating?

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling negative about yourself or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down?

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television?

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed; or being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual?

Brian Dow, deputy chief executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: "These figures paint a sobering picture of the nation's mental health, with nearly one in five adults now experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and even higher rates among young people. It is deeply concerning that over a quarter of 16 to 29-year-olds are struggling to this extent, and that financial pressures and social isolation are compounding these challenges.

"While it is encouraging that most people are taking steps to look after their wellbeing, such as spending time outdoors or with loved ones, we cannot rely on individual action alone to address what is clearly a systemic issue. The fact that people experiencing depressive symptoms are less likely to feel trust, safety or belonging in their communities shows just how vital it is to build environments that foster connection, security and support.

"We urgently need targeted investment in mental health services and a cross-government approach that tackles the root causes of mental illness. Only then can we begin to reverse these worrying trends and create a mentally healthier nation for everyone."

Prof Kamaldeep Bhui, Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at Oxford University, said: "Levels of depressive symptoms overall have remained stable, which is reassuring and suggesting these have not increased despite political/social and financial issues. Young adults are experiencing more depressive symptoms than older adults, perhaps related to loneliness, but also due to worries about the social political contexts, the cost of living, financial issues and their health.

"People with depressive symptoms worried more about these issues, and were less trusting of others, perhaps leading to isolation, loneliness, and reticence about help seeking and any information they received. The reasons older people experience less depressive symptoms warrants some investigation, although one could speculate they may be more financial and socially stable, with choice and opportunities that younger people do not have.

"Activities people found helpful for wellbeing were spending time outdoors, time with family and friends, being physically active and taking a balanced diet."

For mental support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at or visit to find your nearest branch.