Loneliness in young people expected to rise after Christmas
Dorset MIND reopens counselling sessions for young people
Last updated 28th Dec 2022
A Dorset Mental Health charity has reported that feelings of loneliness and isolation are expected to rise among young people after Christmas.
Dorset MIND told us that a loss of routine, time away from friends and more time spent on social media will play a part in a young person’s loneliness over the festive season.
Dee Swinton, a spokesperson for Dorset MIND, said:
“As it’s the end of term people return home, and their support network won’t be there, and they may lose a sense of routine.”
She also notes that Christmas can result in feelings of inadequacy as children compare their lives with idealistic ones portrayed on social media or speak to their friends about the presents each other received.
Dee said:
“Over Christmas, the first thing people are going to ask when you go back is ‘what did you get for Christmas’ and especially now when we’ve got the cost-of-living crisis and families are struggling to provide gifts, it could be really tricky to navigate that.”
“If mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness are not spoken about it can build up and it can become a long-term mental health condition.”
50% of people under the age of 15 can be diagnosed with a mental health condition and that figure rises to 75% in their late teens, from 17 to 19.
She added: “We know it’s really important to catch people early.”
Accordingly, Dorset MIND has announced a Children & Young People’s Service called ‘Dorset Mind Your Head’.
The service gives young people, between the age of 11 and 17, a 50-minute one-on-one session with a qualified counsellor. ‘Dorset Mind Your Head’ also provides a free initial assessment to ensure the appropriate support for the young person.
Mental well-being continues to be a hot topic of conversation and a concern that is highlighted now more than ever. In a survey of over 2,000 parents commissioned by the BBC, they found that 74% of parents are concerned about their child’s mental health.
Dee Swinton said:
“One of the most important things to do is vocalise your feelings and be able to talk about your mental well-being. That’s why anything talking therapy based is essential, it acts as a release of pressure for people.”
Dorset MIND Patron, Dr Andy Mayers said:
“The reopening of these counselling services is excellent news for young people across Dorset. The last few years have been a huge challenge for them, but we can use this support to give young people the tools to manage their lives more productively”.
To look into these services search Dorsetmindyourhead.co.uk or you can call ‘Connection’ in Dorset at 0800 652 1090.