The impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health and Well-being
The chaos of Covid-19 has brought life as we knew to a halt as global changes and restrictions have favoured masks, sanitisers and social distancing for the majority of 2020. Mind.org.uk in their “The Mental Health Emergency” report in June 2020 noted that “More than half of adults and over two thirds of young people said that their mental health has gotten worse during the period of lockdown restrictions, from early April to mid-May”.
With the sudden news of a third lockdown period, announced just 4 days before Christmas, the previous rules allowing for bubbles to mix on Christmas day were scrapped and the UK was thrown into a tighter tier system, with majority of South East England now in Tier 4 and unable to mix with anyone outside of their own bubble.
Out of one lockdown and into another
As the second lockdown ended, society saw the light at the end of the tunnel but the government’s sudden decision to implement another lockdown during Christmas brought with it anger and frustration for many as plans were cancelled and another period of isolation was anticipated. This added strain caused increases in stress levels and in turn anxiety as society continued through the next period of the pandemic, which had already lasted almost 9 months.
The fear of the unknown
As the Christmas lockdown ensued, a wave of worry masked the nation as the seriousness of the pandemic continued. The influx of unreliable sources of information creates a false sense of reality and anxiousness as to what the future holds, effecting all ages as the future remains unclear.
Distancing from our nearest and dearest
For many, the holiday period has been the hardest part of the pandemic. Our innate social and nurturing nature has been stripped back to bubbles containing members from only one household. The family dynamic and support system has been fragmented with many not seeing their siblings, parents and grandparents for months on end. People are left clinging on to memories and comparing previous years, which, while nostalgic, also increases feelings of anxiety as memories become a reminder of reality.
Pressure, pushing down
The reliance on social media has grown stronger for young people as the lack of extracurricular activities and inability to mix bubbles brings with it a sense of emptiness. Whilst schools have returned since the first lockdown in the summer, the pressures of homework, exams and the change in school life brings with it increased mental health issues as students not only hope for normality but also witness the effects of the pandemic on family and teachers. Early theories of observational learning argue that students are likely to pick up on and reflect the same anxiety that they are surrounded by.
Despite the affects that covid-19 has had on Mental Health and Wellbeing, a wealth of learning has taken place across 2020 and reflecting on the year with gratitude and appreciation builds resilience and welcomes a more positive mind-set when facing adversities in the future.
The festive period is usually a joy for all and an opportunity to relish the family company, yet this year has been like no other. Each experience has been either a blessing in disguise or lesson learnt and focussing on positivity has allowed for growth and development in the process.
It is through this process that society at large has finally understood the importance of building connections, keeping an eye out on others and working together in unconventional ways to spread positivity.
