walk a new path’s big idea

what are we going to do

The lockdown has significantly impacted young people’s mental health in the UK, including an increased incidence of suicidal thoughts. According to a new study which surveyed over 3000 young people in the UK, the lockdown led to the rate of suicidal thoughts raised from 8% to 10%, among whom aged 18-29 reported rates of suicidal up to 14% (Catling, J.C. et al. 2022). The researchers warned that although the rise in these figures was relatively small, it was significant because it occurred over a short period, suggesting that the huge social and economic uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic was leading to despair among young people. Many of these students reported that their schools were unable to teach full times as they did before the outbreak, and their job prospects have also taken an unprecedented hit, leaving them feeling more anxious about the future.