(Source: https://medical-technology.nridigital.com/) Two and a half years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are still dealing with the fallout – not least the effect on youth mental health. For many children and young people, the repeated lockdowns, social isolation, and climate of uncertainty, proved to be deeply distressing. Searches for apps for mental health problems are rising considerably.
“Young people are at the very point in their lives when socialising with their peers is a way to discover their independence and learn how to interact in the world as young adults,” says Dr Lloyd Humphreys, clinical psychologist and managing director of ORCHA (the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps). “We now know that areas with a higher concentration of younger people (aged 16-24) tended to have higher rates of loneliness during the pandemic.”
Of course, these kinds of impacts were felt population-wide. Around 1.4 million UK residents are currently waiting for specialist NHS mental health treatment, and there are thought to be another eight million who would benefit from support.
However, young people were more susceptible than most. According to a 2021 review paper, rates of depression and anxiety increased, while many children and adolescents experienced Covid-related fear. This applied above all to older teenagers, girls, and those living with neurodiversities or chronic health conditions.
Another study found that pandemic-related distress was correlated with other hardships. Young people living in challenging circumstances (such as poor housing or financial instability), and other vulnerable or marginalised groups were most at risk.
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