The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had and will continue to have an unprecedented effect of daily living for the foreseeable future. Aside from the obvious effects of COVID-19 on physical health, this pandemic is also likely to have a profound effect on mental health. The knock on effects on mental health could be far reaching and long term especially if not understood and managed.

In addition, it is likely to exacerbate existing inequalities and the costs are likely to be felt disproportionately to the already most vulnerable ( those with a history of mental illness, job and housing insecurity , poor neighbourhoods , single parents and those in abusive relationships).

A number of rapid surveys have indicated an initial perceived rise in depression and anxiety symptoms. However, without pre-pandemic information, an accurate indication of the change is not possible. This is essential for modelling projected risk which needs to be taken into account when planning further policy regarding social distancing and lock down enforcements.

Longitudinal data is thus crucial. It is also important to identify at risk groups who could benefit from immediate help and planning for currently unknown policies for recovery stages. This project will use the unique data hosted by ALSPAC to examine how and why mental health changes as a result of the public health policies adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.