Online searches for mental health support in the UK have decreased to their lowest levels since the peak of the first wave in April 2020.

Data from Champion Health’s Wellbeing Barometer reveals that, in April 2021, searches have decreased by 20% month-on-month.

The barometer measures Google searches for phrases including “24 hour helpline”, “anxiety advice”, and “how to deal with depression.” It provides a way to assess the demand in users looking for help with their mental health. 

Searches relating to anxiety reduced by 18% month-on-month, with 38% fewer people looking for an “anxiety helpline” in April 2021 compared to last year. 

There was also a 33% decrease in searches for a “depression helpline” month-on-month, with a 25% decrease for depression-related phrases overall.

This comes after analysis of data from the UK’s Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed that January 2021 was the saddest on record. Champion Health’s own employee wellbeing statistics found that nearly two thirds of people experienced some anxiety in 2020.

Recent ONS data also found that almost double the number of adults experienced some kind of depression in 2020 compared to 2019. 

Co-founder and CEO of Champion Health, Harry Bliss, said: “Although this data suggests that there is some room for optimism about the state of the UK’s mental health, it doesn’t take away from the fact that many people are still struggling and need support compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

“Employers, in particular, can play a huge role in spotting the signs of poor mental health and acting on this with data-driven initiatives.”

Champion Health is a platform designed to support employers to optimise all areas of health and wellbeing in the workplace. Team members can access individual wellbeing action plans and discover workouts, mindfulness activities, nutrition plans and more.