The Mental Health Emergency is a study published by leading mental health charity Mind in June 2020 which looks specifically at the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, and the results are terrifying.
It found that 60% of adults and 58% of young people reported worse mental health.
Young people and those with existing mental health problems were worse affected.
57% of adults and 53% of young people with no prior experience of mental health problems had a lower than average mental health score.
44% young people & 44% of adults have not or rarely felt relaxed during lockdown.
Adults reported concerns about being unable to see friends and family, anxiety about friends/family catching coronavirus, not being able to go out, feeling bored and restless, anxiety about themselves catching coronavirus.
The top five concerns for young people that made their mental health worse were feeling bored/restless, not being able to see friends, not being able to go outside except for essential reasons, feeling lonely and feeling anxious about family or friends getting coronavirus.
The top five positive coping strategies used by adults were connecting with friends or family online, watching TV or films, spending time outside, doing household chores (e.g. cooking and cleaning) & listening to music or the radio.
The top five positive coping strategies used by young people were connecting with friends or family online, watching TV or films, spending time outside, listening to music or the radio and going on social media.
What strikes me about almost all of these things is they are dependant on external gratification and so the chances of disappointment are really high.
When everything around you in life is so uncertain now is the time to start a yoga, meditation & mindfulness practice.
Find something that gives you a sense of inner calm and connection, be your own anchor in a stormy sea.
If you’re struggling with mental health please contact your GP and for further help contact your local Mind or Rethink.
I teach regular yoga for mental health and mindfulness & meditation classes at Mind In Haringey and have uploaded a special yoga for mental health follow along video on my Youtube Channel which you can see below and you can also find other practices on my channel which may be of help during these turbulant times.