The impact of lockdown on young people’s mental health – a pupil’s perspective

In March 2020, Boris Johnson announced that the UK would be going into a lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This announcement shocked the world. From this point onwards, life wouldn’t be the same.

Lockdown has caused shops to shut and businesses to fall. Many people have lost loved ones. Lockdown has prevented people from socialising and interacting with others. The impact of this was profound, especially on young people’s mental health.

How lockdown has impacted on young people’s mental health

Because of the lockdown, many people have experienced loneliness due to social restrictions with their friends and families. Lockdown has also caused boredom and frustration associated with the loss of activities and hobbies.

In a recent survey done by young minds, 75% of young people said lockdown had a significant impact on their mental health. These include anxiety, self harming, panic attacks and losing motivation and hope for the future.

So the question is, how do we look after our own mental health?

• Speak to someone about how you are feeling, like a teacher, friend or family member. It is important that you share how you are feeling so you are able to get support for this.
• Access support from your GP or charities such as young minds.
• Listen to motivational speakers or podcasts such as David Goggins and Dwayne Johnson, who give helpful tips on mental health.
• Exercise as it releases endorphins, which makes you feel better.

In the recent past, there has been a great amount of stigma surrounding poor mental health. However, in order to break this stigma, celebrities are speaking out to raise awareness around their personal challenges regarding their mental health.

Check out Ollie Ollerton, Dwayne Johnson, Jim Carrey and Beyonce all talking about depression and anxiety.

Everyone has been affected by lockdown one way or another, whether it be financially, emotionally or physically. It is also clear that taking care of our mental health should be an integral part of our daily routine.

‘You don’t have to struggle in silence’ ~ Demi Lovato

If you are suffering with your mental health, don’t be afraid to speak out. 

Support is always available from a range of organisations including Young Minds, NHS UK- Mental Health Help (App), Sheffield mental health.co.uk and Samaritans (call 116 123).

‘If you can get through doing things that you hate to do, on the other side is greatness’ ~ David Goggins.

By Ben Grant, Year 10