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Anxiety and psychological distress: 50% increase in demand for youth mental health services last month

This surge in requests for help is the latest in the mental health crisis caused by restrictions and the Covid-19 pandemic.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH charity Jigsaw has seen a 50% increase in demand for its services in August this year, compared to August last year.

There has also been an over 400% increase of traffic to its e-mental health platform over the last six months, a surge in demand for its schools supports and a month-on-month increase to calls to 1800 JIGSAW support line.

To meet this demand, Jigsaw is calling on people to support its Revolution campaign, by cycling 100km and raising €100 by World Mental Health Day on 10 October.

Mike Mansfield, Director of Communications and Fundraising at Jigsaw, said that it was clear that young people need support to get them through the coming months.

“What we are hearing from those who have been using our services and supports over the last six months is a real cause for concern.

Isolation, uncertainty and fear are leaving many without the core elements we value and need for our mental wellbeing.

Jigsaw said that it has seen a slight shift in the issues that young people are presenting with since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

While anxiety remains the top issue among young people, the charity has seen an increase in sleep-related issues, family conflict and a marked spike in contacts from parents and teachers seeking support.

Mansfield said: “Lack of connection with those around them as a result of increasing restrictions is leading to high levels of anxiety, low mood and psychological distress.

Continued uncertainty is contributing to a growing sense of hopelessness and fear for the future. Concern and worry for parents and family members are also emerging as central themes. It’s evident that Covid-19, and the measures taken to contain it, will leave many, particularly those who were struggling pre-Covid – scarred.

Revolution x Jigsaw is encouraging people across Ireland to cycle 100km and raise €100 before 10 October, Jigsaw sees this as a practical way to help and support our young people’s mental health.

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    Mute Thomas Quinn
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    Sep 24th 2020, 7:36 AM

    I would urge all those suffering to talk to trusted friends and health professionals. Get out into nature and exercise when you can too. Help can seem hard to find but it’s there and makes a massive difference. Avoid caffeine if you feel anxious or anxiety attack creeping up. Look after each other.

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    Mute Richie
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    Sep 24th 2020, 8:21 AM

    This is the elephant in the room in relation to COVID measures.

    I’m seeing an undercurrent is stress and depression rising in the 18-30 age group and they are unlikely to admit it.

    Lack of social outlet, sports and just a completely changed future outlook economically and in lifestyle etc are going to take its toll here.

    When this is over suicide numbers will make sad reading.

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    Mute Sam Harms
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    Sep 24th 2020, 8:22 AM

    @Richie: you can add the 30-35 group in there too

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    Mute NotaWarder
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    Sep 24th 2020, 8:34 AM

    @Richie: the cure is worse than the disease at this stage

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    Mute Richie
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    Sep 24th 2020, 8:38 AM

    @Sam Harms: apologies I didn’t mean to dismiss the other age groups and should have said that.

    Just have seen a lot of it in 18-30. No doubt it’s throughout all.

    NPHET need to consider all strands of medical issues including mental health in there advice/orders to government before decisions are made so that the said decisions are weighted and very sadly costed in terms of lives.

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    Mute Lisa Quinn
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    Sep 24th 2020, 9:14 AM

    @Sam Harms: and 37!

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    Mute The Upside-down Triangle
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    Sep 24th 2020, 9:50 AM

    @Richie: every age group really. People anxiety has gone through the roof with Covid.

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    Mute Sam Harms
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    Sep 24th 2020, 10:19 AM

    @Richie: I just know personally from myself and pretty much all of my friends being in the 30-35 group that people that age are definitely struggling. But agree it would be across all ages and it’s going to get worse now when the weather turns and people can’t even get out for a walk

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    Mute Celtic Spirit
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    Sep 24th 2020, 9:29 AM

    I’ll probably be lambasted for this but from my observations, especially for the younger teens and preteens is that parents spend so much time on social media, fb and Instagram etc, that they are not giving their time to their childrens mental needs etc.

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    Mute SquintEastwood
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    Sep 24th 2020, 9:51 AM

    @Celtic Spirit: no disagreement with you but not just parents..teens and preteens too…it should be called ANTISOCIAL media

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    Mute Celtic Spirit
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    Sep 24th 2020, 3:38 PM

    @SquintEastwood: nail on the head there

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    Mute Molly1952
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    Sep 24th 2020, 12:34 PM

    Where have we gone wrong though?…the deluge of mental health problems and suicides in the last decade is so worrying. I know people will knock me for saying it but it really wasn’t like that in my youth or my children’s youth either. Even when life was much tougher and we were poorer. Is it partly social media and the pressure it’s putting on young people?

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