<p>Depression leads to alterations in the mental health of individuals worldwide. Episodes of depression involve alterations in mood and the motivational dimension. Its prevalence in the adult population has been investigated by studying its impact on the cognitive, affective and social dimensions. The current health emergency makes it necessary to explore how protection measures, such as quarantine due to the risk of COVID-19 infection, may be related to mental health. It´s important to determine the prevalence of depressive and anxious symptoms in adults in Valle del Cauca (Colombia) during the social isolation by COVID-19. The study is descriptive, correlational and transversal, was carried out with 1248 participants. The Hamilton scale of depression and anxiety was used a questionnaire that inquires about sociodemographic data, and aspects related to the perception of individuals, regarding the pandemic situation. Women are more likely to present depressive symptomatology. Individuals aged 24 to 29 are less likely to manifest anxious symptomatology than those whose ages range between 18 and 23 years. Participants who do not have children manifest greater depressive symptoms. Economically dependent individuals are more likely to manifest depressive signs in times of pandemic.</p>