Young people and mental health: the impact of Covid-19 and lockdowns in Haringey
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Healthwatch Haringey undertook research into the impact of Covid-19 and lockdowns on the mental health of young people. They conducted four focus groups, which were attended by 21 young people.
Living through COVID-19 and lockdowns had meant a lot of lifestyle changes for young people, and there were positive and negative aspects to this. The worst aspects were being unable to leave the house, being stuck inside all the time, and not being able to see friends and family. This led to a lot of young people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and a lack of motivation.
But young people were also able to identify and talk about positive aspects of this time. They really valued and appreciated the extra time they got to spend with their immediate family, and felt they built stronger bonds as they were spending much more time with them.
Social media was both a force for good and bad during this time. On the one hand, it enabled young people to keep in touch with friends and family, making them feel more connected, and less alone and isolated. On the other hand, young people often felt bad after looking at social media, comparing themselves unfavourably to others.
Young people’s mental health has improved since lockdown. The majority of participants moved from feeling very bad or bad to feeling very good or good. Yet, even now, 42% of participants still feel OK or bad.
All young people said they would be confident and comfortable speaking to College staff, including form tutors and teachers, if they (or a friend) were experiencing mental health issues.
Young people also talked about social workers and youth workers, about youth centres and community centres. Young people of faith talked about priests and Imams, Churches and Mosques. These are all important community assets and networks which play an important part in supporting young people’s mental health.
NHS services, such as GPs and nurses, were also mentioned, but not in the context of mental health support. There was very little awareness of mental health services, organisations and charities.
The report contains recommendations.