There is emerging evidence of the detrimental impact of the pandemic and associated restrictions on young people’s mental health in the UK but to date, this data has been largely quantitative. The aim of the current study was to gain a deeper understanding of young people’s experiences in relation to their mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic. Seventeen young people, aged 11-16 years, sampled for diverse characteristics, and living in the UK, were interviewed virtually between December 2020 and February 2021. Eighteen parents/carers and 10 professionals working with children and families and were also interviewed to gain a more comprehensive perspective of young people’s experiences. Reflexive thematic analysis was carried out by the research team, which included individuals with lived experience, and revealed five overarching themes: (1) positives; (2) worries and anxiety; (3) sadness and anger about losses; (4) mental exhaustion; and (5) support from others. Young people’s experiences appeared to vary according to key background characteristics. Continued measurement of young people’s mental health, initiatives to identify young people who have been struggling and the provision of support (including evidence-based and accessible interventions) will be important for protecting young people from future adversities as we emerge from the pandemic.
This qualitative study examined parents’ experiences of supporting their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventeen parents of children aged 2-16 years from diverse backgrounds, living in the UK, were interviewed one-to-one about their experiences. Ten professionals working with children and families were also interviewed to gain a broader perspective of parents’ experiences. Using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, we identified four central themes: a) worries and uncertainties; b) mental exhaustion; c) resources available to cope with the challenges; and d) finding the positives. Findings revealed the worries and uncertainties that parents faced regarding how best to support their child and the long-term consequences of the pandemic, as well as feelings of mental exhaustion from juggling multiple responsibilities. The impact of Covid-19 on parents’ wellbeing was varied and parents identified several factors that determined their ability to support their children, such as space in the home environment, support networks and their personal mental health. Despite the challenges, some parents reported positive experiences, such as strengthened family bonds during the pandemic. Our study emphasizes the importance of flexible work arrangements and family-friendly employment policies, as well as support for parents to enable them to support their children and look after their own wellbeing.
It is increasingly accepted that young people need to be centrally involved in research on issues that affect them. The aim of this study was to explore young people’s experiences of being involved in mental health research, with a particular focus on what they gained from taking part and how the involvement process enabled this. Qualitative interviews were conducted by coresearchers (young people with lived experience and/or interest in mental health) with thirteen young people (aged 13 – 24) who had previous experience of being involved in mental health research. Reflective thematic analysis was used to identify important aspects of young people's experiences. Four main themes were identified, 1) opportunity to have a meaningful impact, 2) opportunity to be part of a supportive community, 3) opportunity to learn and grow, and 4) increasing opportunities for young people. This study highlights young people’s experiences of being involved in mental health research and identifies ways researchers can ensure involvement opportunities bring benefits to both the young people and the research.
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