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When Lucas was released from the hospital, the world had changed. It was late March and the 19-year-old was ordered to protect himself after six weeks of treatment for sepsis.
Like most teens, Lucas relied on social interaction, but his autism demanded routine as well. Monday meant dog agility lessons; Tuesday was the evening of the bands; On Wednesday, the St. John Ambulance meets. Thursday and Friday there was training for Lancashire’s inclusive rugby team, the Typhoons. Suddenly there was nothing left. His sanity collapsed.
“The world has become very overwhelming. I just couldn’t manage. Between March and May, I had some very serious mental health crises and ended up in an inpatient unit. It was not safe for me to be home alone. To say that I have struggled with Covid is an understatement, ”Lucas said.
It is a charged tale repeated by young people across the country in the context of an ongoing pandemic. Isolation, anxiety and uncertainty about the future have destabilized an entire generation.
The charity YoungMinds, whose mission is to keep the mental health of young people from reaching a tipping point and which Lucas has turned to for help, has seen phenomenal demand for its services. In 2020, more than 2.5 million young people, parents, caregivers and professionals turned to YoungMind either online or through its dedicated hotlines.
The number of calls and emails to its confidential parent hotline for people concerned about a young person with anxiety, anger and suicidal thoughts has increased by 43% in the past 12 months. Use of the charity’s Find Help page increased 48%. Demand for information on bereavement and loss has increased by more than 150% compared to 2019.
Emma Thomas, Managing Director of YoungMinds, said: “The impact of the pandemic on young people has been significant and there is evidence that it could be long term.”
More immediately, Covid destroyed support systems and coping mechanisms. Those who have suffered trauma during childhood and adolescence are particularly vulnerable.
Lucas began struggling with his mental health at the age of 12, after taking care of his mother and spending time with foster care. Many of those who contact YoungMinds report difficulties emerging at a similar age.
Cassianne was 11 when she began to self-harm after suffering from anxiety and depression. “My self-esteem was low and I kept myself to myself, which gave me a lot of time to be on my mind. She started using social media to try and make sense of her feelings.
“There were a lot of stories with people in depressed states talking about their lives. I got more and more sucked in, I got so lost in it all, ”said Cassianne, now 19.
Although she eventually sought help from her GP, the pandemic sparked further anguish. In September, she began studying law at the University of Hertfordshire. Instead of finding new friends and a stimulating experience, Cassianne found herself isolated by her fear of catching Covid-19 in an environment where few people seemed concerned.
“A lot of people didn’t care about the virus, they went to parties and came back to my building. I developed a lot of anxiety. I was in panic cleaning everything. I didn’t want to leave my room, go to the shared kitchen.
Abbey’s experience studying criminology at the University of Salford was also baffling. After her course was fully uploaded, she lost all motivation.
“I found it almost impossible to concentrate which caused me to fall behind. Along with this, I was away from home, unable to go anywhere or do anything due to restrictions, which made me feel extremely lonely. The government has completely neglected college students during the pandemic, especially when it comes to mental health, ”the 21-year-old said.
Abbey, 21, also struggled with mental health issues early on, struggling with anxiety and insomnia at the age of 10.
Bullying at school was the catalyst. “Before, I never cared about my appearance and my weight, but being constantly called by names and feeling less worthy had an impact on me and the way I saw myself.
She sought help at the age of 15, and in 2017 was diagnosed with PTSD.
Abbey, Cassianne, and Lucas can’t wait to share what they’ve learned. As “activists” for YoungMinds, their collective message is that anyone can conquer their demons – if they get the right help.
Cassianne and Abbey have previously provided evidence in parliamentary body image and social media inquiries and have contributed to well-being campaigns in schools.
Abbey is particularly keen to broaden the discussion about LGBTQ + and mental health, and is convinced that if she had seen someone specializing in the field, she would have improved faster.
She also helped the charity develop resources for young people who deal with PTSD, believing that it remains a taboo subject still associated with “war and combat” rather than a traumatic event.
Cassianne, from north London, is developing her own workshops on mental health and writing about her experiences of racism, acknowledging that young people from black ethnic minorities suffer disproportionately from mental health issues. Lucas, meanwhile, wants to resume his training as a child nurse.
It is not only help that they all want to share, but also hope.
If you are a youth struggling with your mental health, advice and support is available on the YoungMinds website., including information on how to get help . For urgent assistance, contact YoungMinds Crisis Messenger by texting YM at 85258. YoungMinds’ the toll-free parenting helpline is 0808 802 5544 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday
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