Your Mind Matters.

Trigger warning – This post will include mentions of self-harm, discussions of substance abuse, among other mental health conditions and statistics.

From the beginning of the pandemic there has been a lot of conversation surrounding mental health, but still not enough. It is more than understandable that a dramatic shift in the way we live has had a profound effect on the mental health of our population. During the first initial lockdown back in March 2020, 62% of adults reported feeling anxious or worried, with these statistics being even higher amongst students (72%) and women (71%).

Throughout the progression of the pandemic, there have been many ups and downs. Promise of relaxed restrictions that were promptly redacted, imposition of new and harsher constraints, health anxiety, social isolation, financial worries, the list is depressingly endless…

Therefore it is more important than ever to look after your personal wellbeing. I’m sure you’ve heard the general advice for preserving mental sanity time and time again, and frankly it can become redundant when you have tried those ‘proven strategies’ endlessly to no avail. I’m in no way saying that getting some fresh air won’t have a positive impact on your mind…but when things are really bad, and you work up the courage to confide, only to be told “just try some deep breathing”, “have you drank some water?” It can feel hopeless, as if you’re doing something wrong. Trust me, you’re not, we’re all trying, and we’re all different. Different things work for different people, it’s okay to take time to find your preferred coping methods.

Amongst some of the hardest hit by the pandemic were young people, with two thirds of young adults (18-24 years old) worried about career or education disruption. Navigating the blinding uncertainty of this time has been a challenge in itself. University students have been left to adapt to online learning, with many courses taking a direct hit from lack of access to vital facilities. Thousands of people have suffered job losses, with people in lower social grades being especially concerned about accessing benefits. Hoards of people have been resigned to furlough, and while time off work sounds desirable, when you’re stuck rolling from your bed to your kitchen table everyday, suddenly the morning commute, awkward small talk with colleagues and desk lunches seem all the more luxurious. The leading cause of distress has been lack of socialisation. With 79% of adults reporting that this was the main factor for a decline in their mental health, followed closely by not being able to go outside (74%) and anxiety about friends and family catching COVID (74%). Luckily we live in a technologically advanced day and age where we can substitute physical interaction for a virtual alternative.

Although it is important to note that not everybody has this luxury, which can lead to even more severe isolation. Additionally it is imperative to recognise the disproportionate effect the pandemic has had on the BAME and LGBTQ+ communities. It has been discovered that women and non-binary people are more likely to suffer with poor mental health, as well as BAME communities reporting higher concerns surrounding employment, finance and physical health support, alongside the ongoing fight against systemic racism in the UK. As well as this, 52% of people in social housing, and 58% of children receiving free school meals, detailed poor mental health during the pandemic. This raises the question of what is, or what can be done to support groups of people in vulnerable situations?

As previously touched on, when it comes to mental health, there are always coping mechanisms that run alongside individuals struggles. These can be healthy or not so healthy. Over the course of the pandemic there has been an increase in the percentage of people using alcohol and drugs to cope, as well as more than 1 in 4 young people engaging in self harm. When there is no clear end point, when hope is delivered and taken away, it can be extremely difficult to maintain a positive outlook, thus leading to destructive coping mechanisms. However, I believe it is paramount that we erase any shame and guilt associated with particular strategies, as this perpetuates the stigma we so desperately need to get rid of. Once we can do that, we must work on employing healthy coping methods that can replace any destructive tendencies.

Luckily, people have detailed a plethora of methods that have increased overall wellbeing during this tumultuous time! The most popular method being, connecting with friends and family online.

Let’s take a break here and reflect on how creative and adaptive humans can be. Despite not being able to meet up, we have really put on our innovation caps and conjured up some interesting ways to socialise while not leaving the house…From family quiz nights to virtual pub crawls (a Zoom background will work wonders for the atmosphere), online gaming and FaceTime coffee dates, we’ve truly seen how creative people can be when needs must. It highlights that we are social creatures, and that being cooped up in your bedroom all day will most definitely have an affect on you. In a strange mad scientist point of view, we’ve all been part of some convoluted experiment for the past year! The conclusion: we need human interaction!

The most important aspect in healing our damaged mental health is support; and unfortunately reaching out still has weighted disrepute attached to it. There should be no shame in caring for yourself. One in four people of all ages who tried to access support during COVID were not able to do so, with 32% of adults and 28% of young people not seeking support because they didn’t think their issues were serious enough. I wish I could scream this from the rooftops, but no matter what state you are in, if you feel like you need help, you deserve help. Waiting until you deem yourself ‘sick enough’ is a recipe for disaster. Nobody deserves to suffer, and nobody deserves to do it alone. The bravery and strength it takes to admit even to yourself that you need support is immeasurable, and it is the first step in the right direction to recovering. There are a plethora of resources out there, and people nationwide have sought help from various places such as: charities, social media, government guidance and friends and family. No matter how alone you feel, that is never the case. You matter. You are worthy. You are loved.

Overall the pandemic thus far has been one wild ride. We’ve learned a lot, and we have a lot left to learn. But one thing we can all agree on is that as a collective, we can do just about anything.

Mental Health matters, and this pandemic has brought that to light more than ever. It’s now important to keep the momentum up, dismantle the shame, boost resources, and keep the conversation going. Look after yourself.

If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out. Here are a list of helpful resources including charities, helplines and information.

7 Cups: Online Therapy & Chat

Samaritans // Or call – 116 123

Childline // Or call - 0800 1111

- Shout crisis text line, Text ‘SHOUT” to 85258

Stonewall

Mind Charity

- FRANK, honest information about drugs

Mindlinetrans+

Black Minds Matter UK,

- BAATN, The Black, African and Asian therapy network

All statistics mentioned can be found at: