Psychische Krise durch Covid-19? Sorgen sinken, Einsamkeit steigt, Lebenszufriedenheit bleibt stabil

This study compares levels of self-reported mental health and well-being in Germany at the beginning of the corona crisis (April 2020) with levels reported in previous years. Since the corona crisis, satisfaction with health has increased significantly across all population groups, while concerns about health have decreased significantly across all groups. This indicates that current assessments are strongly affected by the larger context of the pandemic and the threat to health. Subjective loneliness has risen substantially across all groups considered, but somewhat more among women and younger people. Symptoms of depression and anxiety have also increased since 2019, but are comparable to 2016 levels. Well-being has changed little overall, but with small gender differences: On average, women report a slightly lower level

of well-being, and men report slightly higher well-being. As of April 2020, life satisfaction has not changed significantly compared to previous years, but socio-economic differences by level of education and income have diminished: Whereas individuals with low education and individuals with low income report a slight increase in life satisfaction, those with high education and high income report a slight decrease in life satisfaction. The results suggest that in the first phase of the corona pandemic, socioeconomic differences have not yet had a major impact on mental health. Existing social inequalities in health-related indicators have remained constant overall, and some have even decreased.