This is how the Swedes feel after a year with the corona pandemic

In the past week, more than 3,000 people have contacted SVT to tell how they feel.

The absolute majority state that they are less satisfied with life now than before the pandemic.

Many testify to depression, depression and loneliness.

But there is another side to the pandemic as well.

In fact, hundreds of people say they are happier with life now than they were before the pandemic.

Conflicting images

The research is still in its infancy and there are no clear answers as to how the pandemic has affected our mental health.

The smaller reports and studies that are available give rather many, and sometimes completely contradictory, pictures.

In a survey conducted in December by Mälardalen University, just over half, 52 percent, answered that they were more satisfied with life now than before the pandemic.

- That surprised me.

I think these are people who have the opportunity to work from home and who may be able to control their time a little more than before the pandemic.

You avoid commuting, get more time for the family and feel a higher control over everyday life, says Jonas Stier, professor of social work at Mälardalen University.

According to a study from Uppsala University, the levels of mental illness were significantly higher in the spring of 2020 than they were before the pandemic.

It was mainly young adults who had been affected, not older people over 70.

- We had thought that the elderly would be extra vulnerable because they had stricter restrictions and were more physically vulnerable, says Karin Brocki, professor of psychology at Uppsala University.

FHM: The elderly's anxiety has increased

However, a report from the Swedish Public Health Agency last autumn shows that the elderly's anxiety and distress have increased.

Guides have received more calls from the group 70 years and older, who think they have nothing to live for anymore.

In all adult respondents between the ages of 16 and 84, the levels of mild stress and depression were at about the same level as before the pandemic.

- We do not see such a huge impact on mental health in overall population surveys.

But those who already had a certain mental illness before the pandemic risk more ill health now, says Anna Bessö, head of department at the Swedish Public Health Agency.