Changes in Anxiety and Depression Over the First Year of COVID-19 Pandemic in Philadelphia, PA: Work Characteristics and Mental Health Supports

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the change in anxiety and depression in a general population cohort over the first year of COVID-19 pandemic in relation to work characteristics and mental health support.

Methods: We administered questionnaires to a convenience sample in Greater Philadelphia, in summer of 2020 and a year later. With more than 60% response rate, 461 people had repeated measurements.

Results: Anxiety declined but depression increased in the cohort after a year of COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived increase in support from family and trade unions, stable employment, and professional mental health support were protective. Depression scores worsened mostly in healthcare, higher education, and manufacturing industries.

Conclusions: We observed that while anxiety dissipated over the first year of COVID-19 pandemic, depression worsened, perhaps more so in some industries and where mental health support faltered over time.