Depression, Behavior Change, and Digital Escapism During the COVID-19 Lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic led to sweeping changes in daily life, especially for parents who were suddenly required to manage professional duties, childcare, and household responsibilities within the confined space of their homes. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the impact of pandemic-induced stress on the mental and physical well-being of parents, particularly in the context of the work-from-home transition. A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression levels and a self-developed stressor questionnaire to evaluate changes in daily routines and digital device usage. The study included 1,380 parents aged 22–50 years with at least one child under the age of 15. Results indicated that 71% of respondents experienced increased workload and emotional distress while juggling family and work responsibilities. A significant portion (25%) of the parents exhibited symptoms of severe depression, with those having younger children (under 10 years) reporting greater challenges. Additionally, the findings revealed a marked rise in digital device usage, both for work-related purposes and as a coping mechanism through entertainment platforms such as social media and OTT services. The study concludes that pandemic-related lifestyle disruptions have substantially influenced parental mental health, behavior, and digital habits. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to support parents in managing stress, reducing overreliance on digital escapism, and improving overall family well-being in post-pandemic life.