Issues impacting young people on The Mix’s helpline: July-December 2021

Q3 of 2021 was generally filled with optimism across the UK as the government introduced a roadmap to reopening society, following a decrease in Covid-19 cases. However, the easing of the restrictions was short-lived with the unveiling of England’s Covid-19 winter ‘Plan B’ in September 2021 and subsequently the outbreak of the Omicron variant, leading to tightening of restrictions in early December 2021. The data in this report shows how these factors affected young people’s lives during Q3 and Q4 of 2021.

Across the UK, Q3 of 2021 was filled with hope, as most of the Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed and due to arrival of the summer months. During this quarter, there was a decrease in many issues affecting young people compared to the previous quarter, including depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, exam stress and issues connected to education.

In Q4 of 2021, the spread of the Omicron variant and the arrival of winter saw the re-introduction of restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19. The resurgence of Covid-19 cases and subsequent restrictions have had a significant impact on the mental health of young people. During this period, compared to the previous quarter, there was a sharp, statistically significant increase in a wide range of issues affecting young people, particularly self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, family issues, stress, bullying, issues connected to education and autism and asperger’s/ASD.

To find out more, read our full report: https://cdn.themix.org.uk/uploads/2022/04/The-Mixs-helpline-data-report-July-December-2021.pdf