Seeking therapy is one of the best things that you can do to look after your mental health. The last few years have not been kind to UK residents. Not only has the cost-of-living crisis brought anxiety about how people are going to pay their rent, but the pandemic, Ukraine war and environmental dread have caused people to become isolated and frightened of what lies ahead in the future.
It is clear that the mental health of people all over the UK has hit a crisis point. That’s why the amount of people reaching out for therapy is currently on the increase.
What do the statistics say about mental health?
One of the groups that has been most affected by events like Covid-19 has been young people. Back in 2020, it was estimated that young people aged 16-24 years old experienced a decline in their satisfaction with life. Around 52% of those interviewed said that they were content with their health back in 2017-2019. So, it’s clear that the pandemic caused a serious impact when it came to their mental health.
Not only that, but there has been an increase in the amount of young people feeling disconnected from their communities. They are also finding it hard to cope financially. Around one third of young women that were interviewed experienced an increase in anxiety and depression compared to the last five years.
It’s important to be mindful of the effects that isolation and current affairs in the wider world have had on UK communities. For older members of the community, the pandemic’s isolation has made it more likely that they have not seen their families and may be struggling to get by. That’s why it’s worth going to therapy if you need it.
How has the pandemic caused mental health issues?
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a 25% increase in depression and anxiety worldwide. So, it’s not surprising that those who were suffering from mental health issues before the pandemic now need additional support.
Over the last three years, UK residents have gone through a wide range of traumatic experiences. These include being isolated, losing loved ones, losing jobs by being made redundant, and financial hardships. Going through these hardships while isolated from friends and family only make them harder.
The current political climate
The pandemic has affected the mental health of people all over the country. However, there are other factors that may have seen to the increase of depression, anxiety and poor mental health. The current cost-of-living crisis and the climate crisis may have left people feeling unsure about the future. It’s likely that they have been thinking about how they will survive in the future, and whether or not their children will be able to enjoy long and happy lives. With this in mind, it is not surprising that more people are interested in therapy.
Opening up about mental health
Although the last few years have been bleak thanks to the pandemic and political events, they have shown that mental health support is more important than ever to talk about. It’s natural to feel angry or upset about what has happened over the last few years, or scared, anxious or depressed about what the future may hold. If you feel like your mental health issues are starting to have an effect on your life, it’s time for you to seek help.
You can speak to the NHS about talking therapies to get started. However just keep in mind that back in 2021, the NHS saw the highest patient numbers for treating mental health issues through talking therapies. So, you may want to look into private mental health treatments.
A Room In Town can help you search for the right therapist, and also offers rooms to help you relax during a talking therapy. That way, you can feel more comfortable.
Do you need help?
If you are suffering from poor mental health, it’s important that you do not suffer in silence. You can seek mental health help and therapy to try and put you on a positive pathway to improve your life. All that it takes is a quick phone call or email to your doctor to reach out for help and to talk about your feelings. Remember, you are not alone.
