Issues impacting young people on The Mix’s helpline: Jan-June, 2021

The pandemic was heavily impacting young people’s lives during its first 12 months, with mental health issues among young people becoming even more widespread during Q1 of 2021. However, it appears that its effects are starting to ease somewhat during Q2 of 2021.

Following a dramatic rise in the requests for support discussing depression, anxiety and counselling since the pandemic started, cases mentioning these topics reached new heights in Q1 of 2021. During this period, the cases mentioning anger have more than doubled year on year. It appears that months of insecurity, poor mental health, strained family relations or lack of close contact with peers and loved ones built up. For some, this turned into feelings of frustration, increased irritability and anger. On the other hand, in line with the trend from the previous reports, the cases mentioning suicidal ideation and thoughts of suicide with intent to act were significantly lower year on year.

During Q2 of 2021 there has been a significant fall in cases where coronavirus was mentioned year on year. Alongside this, the alarming growth in the numbers of young people experiencing a negative impact on their mental health has begun to slow. While year on year, the cases mentioning depression were still significantly higher, quarter on quarter, there has been a first significant decline in over 12 months.

To find out more, read our full report: https://cdn.themix.org.uk/uploads/2021/11/The-Mixs-Quarterly-Trends-Q1-and-Q2-of-2021-3.pdf