Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to identify difficulties in adapting to normal life once COVID-19 lockdown has been lifted. Israel was used as a case study, as COVID-19 social restrictions, including a nation-wide lockdown, were lifted almost completely by mid-April 2021, following a large-scale vaccination operation.MethodsA sample of 293 mid-age and older Israeli adults (M age = 61.6 ± 12.8, range 40–85 years old) reported on return-to-routine adaptation difficulties (on a novel index), depression, positive solitude, and several demographic factors.ResultsOf the participants, 40.4% met the criteria of (at least) mild depressive symptoms. Higher levels of adaptation difficulties were related to higher ratios of clinical depressive symptoms. This link was moderated by positive solitude. Namely, the association between return-to-routine adaptation difficulties and depression was mainly indicated for individuals with low positive solitude.ConclusionsThe current findings are of special interest to public welfare, as adaptation difficulties were associated with higher chance for clinical depressive symptoms, while positive solitude was found to be as an efficient moderator during this period. The large proportion of depressive symptoms that persist despite lifting of social restrictions should be taken into consideration by policy makers when designing return-to-routine plans.
Highlights
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented social distancing measures worldwide
The current study focuses on depressive symptoms when returning to routine following the release from COVID-19 lockdown
We examine the possible contribution of these demographic characteristics to depressive symptoms, following the termination of a COVID-19 lockdown
Summary
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented social distancing measures worldwide. These included lockdowns, where individuals were ordered to stay at home for weeks [1]. These restrictions were found to yield psychological distress for many, with various aspects of mental health disturbance, including inflated rates of depressive symptoms, occurring across. Many people waited for the restrictions to be lifted, these same restrictions provided a respite and changed the life course of many individuals who may experience adaptation difficulties and depressive symptoms during the transition period to their former routine. We hypothesize that the long-term effects of social restrictions may be manifested when people are faced with a return to daily routines and obligations
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