COVID has impacted the mental health of many young people in UK.
According to GOV UK’s research and analysis of mental health amongst children and young people, there is evidence to suggest that the pandemic has negatively affected the mental health and wellbeing of many young people with existing mental health conditions. (Although it is not yet possible to make a full, meaningful comparison to recent pre-March 2020 measures.) (1)
One of our youth clients, Charlotte*, told us about the difficulties she’s faced. And how counselling has helped her through 2020.
“During Covid-19 my counselling sessions moved onto Zoom. When everything else stopped, this was the one thing that continued. That one hour per week felt safe and familiar whilst everything else was chaotic.
My mum worked on the front line during Covid. There were nights when I felt really scared about what might happen. She knew I was worried, but I felt I could share my feelings more openly with my counsellor. I felt like my mum already had enough worries on her plate. These sessions helped me to cope.
I knew I could tell my counsellor what I was feeling and it would not upset her. These sessions helped me understand things better. I have learnt how to relax and about what things I can do to help me keep on top of everything. Since the counselling sessions I have been more able to cope with my school work, I have been able to talk more freely, I have stopped self-harming, had fewer panic attacks, and have started taking better care of myself. I am feeling much more optimistic about my future.”
If you would like to help us support more people like Charlotte, you can set up a regular donation over on our Donate Page. Thank you.
And if you are interested in exploring the possibility of counselling for yourself, please find out more about the Counselling Services we offer here.
* Name changed to protect privacy.