COVID-19 AND IT’S EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND EDUCATION IN THE UK- part 1 of 8
This is an 8 part series on thoughts around the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic in the UK, focusing on mental health and education.
I have written it as a volunteer on Restless Development’s BUILD BACK BETTER Youth Reporters programme. I’d fully recommend Restless Development’s programmes and projects to any activists who wish to make a difference (https://restlessdevelopment.org/).
I also volunteer with Youth Access on their Make Our Rights Reality mental health programme and would recommend engaging with them and becoming a Rights Advocate or ally (https://www.youthaccess.org.uk/morr/morr-home#:~:text=Make%20Our%20Rights%20Reality%20%28MORR%29%20is%20a%20national,and%20how%20to%20apply%20them%20to%20everyday%20situations).
At the time of writing, I am a 23-year-old female with mental health issues. I live with my Mum and younger brother and I am a young adult carer. The views expressed in this series are my own, except the italicised text which is quotations from other sources.
To see more of my work, engage with the #UnapologeticallyMe series on Medium (https://medium.com/@rubertabisson)
1-Introductory Comments
SHOULD YOU RISK IT?
You can’t escape the pandemic, even if you’re staying away from social media and the news. There are reminders everywhere: posters, signs on buildings and public transport, the constant presence of delivery vans, regular radio announcements, queues outside many shops and banks, hand sanitiser and masks on people or in stores.
As well as the obvious stress this must cause everyone who is looking for a return to normality, it also makes you wonder how some people can still be oblivious or brazen in flouting the rules. There are compelling reasons to take the risk, including fun, freedom and the chance to see family or friends without restrictions.
However, the reasons to follow the rules are equally clear:
· Protect the vulnerable
· Protect society as a whole
· Avoid the fines
· Avoid a local or national lockdown
A SELF-INTERVIEW
What about coronavirus and the future worries you?
Things are so uncertain. Lockdown could be reinstated at any point. There’s hardly any time to prepare and adapt. Fewer services are available which makes doing everyday things less convenient and also leaves vulnerable people without adequate support.
Are there any positives?
People are caring about each other more. People are valuing the simple things in life that they used to take for granted. They are valuing food, freedom, and family. We are reaching out and taking care of each other. We are all more self-aware and aware that it’s ok to have a bad day.
What are your hopes for the future?
That the support for vulnerable older people is able to continue in some form. That more businesses and services are able to operate online or by phone. That people are still able to think of others, especially those less fortunate. That the scheme that got many homeless off the streets is able to keep them housed.
WHO HAS BEEN LET DOWN MOST?
Those most let down by the measures put in place are, in my opinion:
· The elderly, who have been lonelier and more isolated than ever. It’s hit especially hard for those who have no health conditions and so the only factor is their age. The government is presumably relying on them seeing that quantity of life is now more important than quality of life, given the decisions on state pension payments and free TV licence provision.
· Those with mental health issues, who have had to adapt to online therapy and consultations and who may have struggled to comprehend all the changes going on. No wonder that there has been a rise in reports of mental health issues and a worsening of symptoms in those who had issues before the pandemic. All I can say is that it’s a good job people can still claim the financial support they may need and get mental health advice and support online from charities.
· Anyone on a low income. Those who were just about getting by before the pandemic have been pushed into crisis and debt. Many people and families have been forced to claim more financial support due to the uncertainty of work, and food bank use has increased. I’m glad that the gift card scheme for free school meals pupils was introduced and extended, but the financial impact cannot be ignored. 50% off restaurant meals does no good if you can’t afford to go out at all.
· Students and pupils, who have lost months of education. Many families are not able to dedicate time to home-schooling due to lack of time or knowledge, so the children were forced to study independently. Year 11 and 13 students missed the exams they had been preparing for and lost out on the end-of-year celebrations they deserved. Decent mock grades and in-class performance have given some the grades they needed, but for many there will be disappointment and frustration. It is certainly hoped that their futures will not be destroyed by this.