THE coronavirus pandemic has sorely jolted the mental health of the nation.

Charities such as MIND warned of a severe deterioration of mental health throughout lockdown as well as the consequences when restrictions relax indefinitely.

This is a major cause for concern. The Centre for Mental Health predicts around 500,000 more people in the UK will need mental health support, as a result of the pandemic.

It has impacted the health of all of us, and young people are no exception. According to the survey “Lockdown Lowdown” conducted by the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), Youth Link Scotland and Young Scot, two fifths of respondents said they were moderately or extremely concerned about their mental wellbeing. And when asked about the health of those around them, 46 per cent expressed moderate to severe worries for friends and/or family.

Poor mental health can come from a range of factors and there are plenty of potential risks that could increase the likelihood for one to struggle with theirs: the inability to see friends and family, loneliness, worries about the virus itself and boredom.

Young people wait, on average, 11 weeks before their first appointment with a specialist (Audit Scotland). Now, imagine how high this figure could potentially rise, given the circumstances.

This could push a lot of young people off the edge of an already unsteady cliff.

As the restrictions ease into phase two, more normality is introduced back into our lives. However, one aspect that wades in the air without a clear answer, is how exams for young people in S4-S6 will be assessed.

The situation is continually changing. Members of the SYP held virtual meetings with the SQA throughout the month of June, where they mentioned the fears brought to their attention, and the worry for exam performance, is only echoed by the Lockdown Lowdown survey: 42 per cent stated that they were extremely or moderately concerned about school, college and university closures. Respondents expressed further concern regarding exams and coursework, with around half stating that they were moderately or extremely concerned about their results.

These times are tricky to navigate, for all of us, so it’s important that we look after not only our physical health but our mental health too.

There are plenty of online resources that can benefit young people and adults equally, organisations like MIND, Y Sort It and Childline have some valuable advice that could positively impact your wellbeing.

At the start of June, as an MSYP, I began my own mental health campaign: MentalMattersUK. Every week on Instagram I post resources and support for young people of all ages. Check out the West Dunbartonshire Youth Council on Facebook as we have transferred our mental health campaign, “Small Talk”, online. As one of the campaign leaders, it has been really good to post tips and advice for local young people through simple and easy-to-read graphics.

If you need someone to talk to, please call Samaritans on 116 123.

I can be contacted at Hayley.paku.msyp@sypmail.org.uk, on Twitter @HayleyPakuMSYP, or on Instagram at MentalMattersUK or HayleyPakuMSYP.