The Mix’s helpline trends: 2019-2022

We have been through a turbulent few years, defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the UK’s cost of living crisis. In February 2022, all the remaining COVID-19 restrictions were removed, and lives of people returned to some extent to what they looked like prior to the pandemic. Does this mean that after years of worsening mental health, young people’s wellbeing is finally improving? Are the issues they were experiencing due to the pandemic subsiding?

To answer these questions, we have reviewed our data from 2019 to 2022 on key topics discussed by young people on the helpline when seeking support. While this report is mainly focusing on the trends experienced in 2022, without setting this year into a wider context that is strongly dominated by the pandemic, we would have a very limited picture. The Mix monitors over 100 topics on the helpline, tracking whether these are discussed during conversations. This report presents data on a selection of key issues showing the most dramatic changes over the last couple of years. It also identifies issues that are often discussed together to illustrate how these are interconnected.

Trigger warning: This report includes references to self-harm, abuse, suicide, substance use and bereavement. If you are looking for support for any of the issues mentioned, you can find information at the end of the report.