Number of people vulnerable to mental ill health in Suffolk doubles since first lockdown
Suffolk Mind's been looking at the impact of Covid lockdowns
The number of people in Suffolk vulnerable to stress or mental ill health has doubled since the first lockdown.
That's according to Suffolk Mind who says their research shows its risen from 24% before the first lockdown, to 55% today.
It comes as the country marks the second anniversary of Boris' announcement that we would be going into lockdown for the first time ever.
Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, said: “It has been a trying time for everyone during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, and the county’s mental health has taken a hit as a result.
“Although COVID-19 restrictions were necessary to stop the spread of the virus, it has had a huge impact on people’s lives and how we all meet our emotional needs.
“It is crucial, with restrictions lifted and life somewhat returning to normal, that we focus on how we get our emotional needs met now, and look out for people around us who might be struggling.”
Suffolk Mind has developed an approach to its services identifying twelve physical and emotional needs which, if not met, leave us susceptible to stress, which in turn can lead to mental ill health.
Our needs include attention, control, emotional connection, respect, food and drink, achievement, sleep, security, community, meaning and purpose, privacy, and movement.
According to the charity’s research, those out of work and younger people were more likely to be experiencing stress or mental ill health over the last two years.
People aged between 18-24 experienced the greatest drop in how well their emotional needs were met, showing the biggest decreases in security, and meaning and purpose.
Young people were also more likely to be furloughed, and more likely to have seen their education affected by lockdowns.
The charity would like more people in Suffolk to complete its Emotional Needs Audit to create a clear picture of the county’s mental health.