Key PointsQuestionHow has the prevalence of psychological distress in the adult population of England changed since 2020?FindingsThis survey study of 51 861 adults found that the proportion reporting severe levels of distress increased steadily by 46%, from an already elevated baseline, since the start of the pandemic. This increase in severe distress occurred across all population subgroups, with the exception of older adults (aged ≥65 years), and was most pronounced in young adults (aged 18-24 years).MeaningThese findings provide evidence of a growing mental health crisis in England and underscore an urgent need to address its cause and to adequately fund mental health services.