Did you know almost over a quarter of adults who were in lockdown have experienced loneliness?
The Mental Health Foundation reports that –
- Almost one in five (19%) of UK adults are feeling hopeless.
- More than 25% of unemployed people feel hopeless
- 32% (nearly one third) of young adults between the ages of 18-24 are feeling hopeless.
- Almost 31% (a third) of people who already have a mental health condition are struggling.
The level of anxiety and worry seems to be the most prominent with UK adults. Young adults aged 18-24 were the worst affected. However, the good news is anxiety levels and worry about the pandemic have fallen from 62 per cent of adults surveyed at the beginning of lockdown to 49 per cent. There has been a divergence of different mental health responses as a result of the pandemic. Vulnerable groups are the ones who are struggling the most in the current times. According to a recent survey, the people who need the most mental health support are young adults with existing mental health conditions and those who are unemployed. “We know that socio-economic inclusion of all groups in society is crucial for people’s wellbeing, thriving communities and a flourishing economy.” notes Professor Tine Van Bortel, of the University of Cambridge. The biggest priority needs to be helping these select groups from their mental health from deteriorating further so that it doesn’t develop into something long-term.
The Latest Mental Health Updates From The Mental Health Foundation
- Loneliness has risen from 10 per cent in March 2020 to 26 per cent in February 2021
- Fewer UK adults feel they are coping well with the stress of the pandemic. In April 2020, 73 per cent report they were managing well
- In February 2021, 64 per cent reported feelings of hopelessness across the population showed little progress, with 18 per cent of people saying they had felt hopeless about the pandemic both in March 2020 and February 2021
- Young adults (18-24-year-olds), full-time students, unemployed people, single parents and those with long-term disabling health problems and pre-existing problems with their mental health continue to be more likely to be feeling distressed
Young Minds Findings
Young Minds Charity expressed their concern that in a January 2021 Survey that young people found the national lockdown the most challenging to cope with over others.
Respondents explained the main pressures for them were loneliness and isolation, concerns about school, college or university work and a breakdown in the normal routine. Many people also expressed their fears for the future. Some were relatively optimistic about the vaccine rollout, but others were concerned about easing restrictions too soon, leading to further restrictions later on down the line.
- 75% of respondents agree that they have found the current lockdown the hardest to cope with, 44% of those surveyed said it was much more challenging (14% said it was easier, 11% said it was about the same)
- 67% believe the pandemic will have a long-term negative effect on their mental health. (19% neither agreed nor disagreed, 14% opposed)
- 79% of respondents agreed that their mental health would start to improve when most restrictions were lifted. Still, some expressed concern about restrictions being lifted too quickly and the likelihood of more possible future lockdowns.
The Good News – not all doom and gloom!
There have been some wonderful uplifting news about community resilience in light of the pandemic:
. 30% of the UK population were vaccinated in February (Covid vaccines were rolled out in January 2020)
. Postboxes painted blue to thank NHS in the UK
. Countries across the globe begin easing restrictions
. Captain Tom Moore makes history in April 2020 (raising an incredible contribution of 18 million for the NHS)
. Leonardo Di Caprio establishes food fund April 2020
. Dolly Parton Invests in Covid Research
. Fitness Influencers Help Out Parents
. Football Teams offer NHS key workers their Hotel rooms March 2020
. Supermarket operating Elderly only hours 2020
. Streaming of The Arts March 2020
How YPAYP can help you?
YPAYP understand the pandemic has affected us all on a broad spectrum in terms of mental health and that now more than ever, it’s key for companies to be looking after their team and checking in on their Wellbeing. Juggling different commitments and milestones, we appreciate that corporates need a helping hand with re-energising staff: that’s where we come in! We offer Staff Wellbeing training and coaching programmes and motivational, educational talks to help you get your team back on track and re-charge everyone’s batteries. Burnout while working from home is on the rise, and we want to give you the best opportunity to help your organisation shine. Our Company Director, Gina Buckney, has over a decade of experience in Meditation and Mindfulness and two decades of experience delivering transformational change for Blue Chip companies. She is passionate about assisting companies in bringing out the best in their teams by getting that crucial work-life balance back on track. We have studied and adopted practices from World Leading Organisations to bring you the best of what Wellbeing can offer. Find out more what YPAYP have to offer for you and your team
Contact us today on info@yourpeopleareyourpower.com.
Article by India Campbell-Hall
