Adolescents and young people鈥檚 wellbeing during the Coronavirus crisis

Abstract

This presentation titled "Adolescents and young people's wellbeing during the Coronavirus crisis," details research on the mental health impacts of COVID-19. The Richmond Foundation, in collaboration with Esprimi, conducted four rounds of research to understand how the pandemic affected the nation's mental health. The presentation specifically focuses on insights from teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 24 years, a group identified as particularly vulnerable due to developmental tasks like peer bonding being disrupted by isolation measures. Key findings indicate that loneliness is prevalent across all age groups, with 80% of those under 18 reporting feeling lonely at least sometimes. The 16-24 age cohort experienced the highest levels of loneliness throughout the seven months of the study. The presentation highlights a concerning trend in coping mechanisms, with a significant increase in 16-24 year olds coping by staying away from other people, reaching 70.8% in August 2020. The effects of prolonged loneliness include increased stress, difficulty sleeping, substance abuse, higher levels of depression and anxiety, decline in self-care, and an increased risk of suicide. The presentation stresses the importance of acknowledging and validating these emotions to prevent detrimental impacts on mental health. The presentation concludes by emphasising that prolonged periods of sadness and depression can lead to harmful behaviours or the re-emergence of pre-existing mental illnesses. Recommendations include reaching out to young adults, acknowledging their negative emotions, equipping them with tools for emotional literacy and mental health maintenance, providing mental and social support, supporting parents and families, and creating more spaces for trans-generational interaction.