Australian researchers have confirmed that lockdowns are detrimental to mental health, according to a new study conducted by the Australian National University (ANU). The study which focused on Melbourne during the second wave of lockdowns found that despite the effectiveness of the restrictions in controlling the spread of the CCP virus, the approach “adversely impacted [Melbourne residents’] levels of depression and loneliness.” Melbourne, which endured the world’s longest period in lockdown under the authority of state Premier Daniel Andrews in Victoria, weathered 6 lockdowns over the first two years of the pandemic. Lockdown is estimated to have increased depressive symptoms by approximately 23 percent and feelings of loneliness by 4 percent,” the study’s authors said. There is “robust evidence on the short-term mental health impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns,” the authors concluded. “These results illustrate the importance of the social environment on individuals’ mental health and the need for future research and …