What impact has coronavirus had on young people with mental health needs? We asked over 2,000 young people to find out. This is what they told us.

[A THREAD]

“My mental health has deteriorated so much that I'm often not able to do my now online therapy session and I haven't had contact with my psychiatrist since lockdown began.”

“My level of care was suddenly cut off and I was told counselling services were further delayed because of lockdown. I did not feel able to go to A&E or anything because of the virus.”

From more than 1,000 respondents who were accessing mental health support in the three months leading up the pandemic crisis…

Of those who had not been accessing support immediately before the pandemic…

Reasons for not looking for support included not wanting to ‘burden’ services during this time, anxiety about video or phone calls, not having privacy at home, or feeling shame at needing help.

Our findings have made us deeply concerned that young people’s mental health is getting worse. Mental health professionals have been working hard to provide support in difficult circumstances. But more support is needed.

We’re calling for the Government to commit to a recovery plan for children and young people’s mental health. Sign our petition. https://act.youngminds.org.uk/we-need-government-look-beyondtomorrow-and-support-young-peoples-mental-health?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=beyond_tomorrow