Effects of telework on anxiety and depression across the United States during the covid-19 crisis

Abstract

This study serves to provide evidence on how the increase in people working from home due to government induced social distancing measures is contributing to the frequency of individuals suffering from depression or anxiety. Using a compilation of datasets from the NHIS, Household Pulse Survey, and the Oxford Covid-19 Response Tracker, we find a general trend of increased rates of depression and anxiety in those who moved to a remote working format. However, while all regions have an increased frequency in anxiety for those who switched to telework, those in the Northeast and West (that also have implemented strict lockdown measures related to social distancing) have slightly higher rates of anxiety compared to those in the South and Midwest.