The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions placed upon society have had a profound impact on mental health. The pandemic has affected people’s mental health and wellbeing in different ways and at different points in time as the pandemic has progressed around 10% of the population experienced persistent distress, with women, 18-30 years olds, people with pre-existing mental or physical health problems, those living in deprived areas, and ethnic minority communities most affected. We are also starting to understand the impact on those who have suffered from COVID, are still suffering from long COVID, and the healthcare workers on the frontline during the peak. There are also considerations for those who are also grieving for loved ones and those in financial stress, as these intersect with the mental health impact of COVID. Young people have been impacted in a variety of ways, with loneliness and psychological distress high, but access to support and health services limited. The pandemic has exacerbated challenges that existed prior to the pandemic, and amplified them to a level we should all be concerned about. There have been increases of positive aspects of family support and mental health awareness, but these are overshadowed by the challenges we face. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health cannot be underestimated. It cannot be made light of; it has widened health inequalities. Looking back at what happened is arguably less important than reflecting on what we have learnt, what we need to do next, and what we still do not know.
» Lee Chambers, Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing
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