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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

No real mental health crisis from pandemic

498 replies

Nimbostratus100 · 09/03/2023 08:41

Confirmed by BMJ, after surveys across high income countries across Europe and ASia

This doesn't surprise me in the slightest, despite a myriad of anecdotal accounts on MN and in some other places.

I know I asked many hundreds of children myself, and found more enjoyed and benefited from lockdown than suffered because of it, and mental health charities knew at the time that suicide rates were falling, which has later been confirmed.

Some people's mental health deteriorated in the lockdowns. Some people's improved. Overall, there was a small rise in mild/moderate mental health problems being reported, while suicides decreased.

Can we stop blaming the pandemic and lockdown for poor mental health across the board now, but particularly in schools.

OP posts:
Gettissuesgotissues · 09/03/2023 08:45

Maybe in general this is true, but some demographics will have suffered due to increased rates of domestic abuse. Also the longer term effects on children may not be seen until later in life. Things like loneliness have increased,which regardless of metal illness is associated with poor health. It's a very complex and long term issue.

Botw1 · 09/03/2023 08:46

Do you have a link to the study?

I don't know any child who preferred lock down. And I know lots of teachers who kids behaviour is much worse now.

There's also the matter of vulnerable children being abused and murdered. And those with SEN missing out on support.

It's not just about diagnosed mh issues

Original poster
Nimbostratus100 · 09/03/2023 08:47

This thread is about mental health though

OP posts:
bellac11 · 09/03/2023 08:47

My partners just read out a headline about this which implied (or perhaps its the way he said it, he has terrible communication) that covid did not affect peoples MH as much as thought, as in the illness hasnt lead to MH long covid symptoms

But you're saing the research was about the lockdown per se?

Botw1 · 09/03/2023 08:48

Saying you don't know any child who suffered in lock down is such a privileged statement.

I take it none of the 'hundreds' of children you asked were neglected, went hungry or needed any other kind of support

AggieTop · 09/03/2023 08:49

You need to meet my dd then @Botw1. She reminisces about lockdown as though it was a golden time in her life 😁

etopp · 09/03/2023 08:49

I have no words for this complete pile of cack.

neverendinglauaundry · 09/03/2023 08:50

Link?

Botw1 · 09/03/2023 08:50

@AggieTop

Does she? That's funny.

What did she like about it?

ErrolTheDragon · 09/03/2023 08:51

There's an article in the Times today which I'm just about to read...

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/covid-pandemics-impact-on-mental-health-minimal-2f68dv8bq?shareToken=aac369c6d8d8b2a268fb0936434f8d7b

Original poster
Nimbostratus100 · 09/03/2023 08:51

Botw1 · 09/03/2023 08:48

Saying you don't know any child who suffered in lock down is such a privileged statement.

I take it none of the 'hundreds' of children you asked were neglected, went hungry or needed any other kind of support

where did I say I don't know any child who suffered during lockdown?

I said I have asked hundreds of children. more enjoyed it than not, some had no preference either way

OP posts:
Norriscolesbag · 09/03/2023 08:52

Nimbostratus100 · 09/03/2023 08:41

Confirmed by BMJ, after surveys across high income countries across Europe and ASia

This doesn't surprise me in the slightest, despite a myriad of anecdotal accounts on MN and in some other places.

I know I asked many hundreds of children myself, and found more enjoyed and benefited from lockdown than suffered because of it, and mental health charities knew at the time that suicide rates were falling, which has later been confirmed.

Some people's mental health deteriorated in the lockdowns. Some people's improved. Overall, there was a small rise in mild/moderate mental health problems being reported, while suicides decreased.

Can we stop blaming the pandemic and lockdown for poor mental health across the board now, but particularly in schools.

Oh right, so a study confirms it so it must be true.

I can’t remember speaking to them, or anyone else I know.

mac1974 · 09/03/2023 08:53

What a load of crap. I ended up on anti anxiety meds as did my mum. I also know at least one teen who is still suffering

Original poster
Nimbostratus100 · 09/03/2023 08:53

AggieTop · 09/03/2023 08:49

You need to meet my dd then @Botw1. She reminisces about lockdown as though it was a golden time in her life 😁

Yes, I think more do now, but it was closer to 50/50 at the time and immediately after. These days lots of teens certainly look back with nostalgia!

OP posts:
Cloudhoppingdancer · 09/03/2023 08:53

Well, if it's a robust piece of scientific research this is actually great news.

I'm aware of one other study that has already highlighted that some children benefited from not having the daily peer pressure/ bullying at school.

The will undoubtedly be a myriad of responses as every child is different and their living situation is different.

But overall good news to hear there are no signs of a general collapse in mental health. Children are very resilient.

Strugglingtodomybest · 09/03/2023 08:53

Botw1 · 09/03/2023 08:50

@AggieTop

Does she? That's funny.

What did she like about it?

Why is it funny?

I know you didn't ask me specifically, but my boys enjoyed lockdown because it wasn't school.

Botw1 · 09/03/2023 08:55

@Nimbostratus100

Sorry, I misread.

However your statement remains callous. Even if more did enjoy and benefit from lock down than suffered (doubt it) lots still suffered.

Cloudhoppingdancer · 09/03/2023 08:55

Strugglingtodomybest · 09/03/2023 08:53

Why is it funny?

I know you didn't ask me specifically, but my boys enjoyed lockdown because it wasn't school.

Show quote history

My relative liked lockdown because he didn't have to deal with people all the time.

neverendinglauaundry · 09/03/2023 08:55

Ah, here it is www.bmj.com/content/380/bmj-2022-074224
It seems to show of any group women suffered most.

itsabigtree · 09/03/2023 08:56

Confirmed by bmi 😂😂😂

AggieTop · 09/03/2023 08:56

@Botw1 - not having to get up so early for the school bus, ability to do work online with all the comforts of home, not having to wear school uniform and abide by all the draconian rules of school. Admittedly she's an introvert and very self motivated. Younger dd missed social contact but with technology this was not nearly as dramatic as it would have been pre internet.

Botw1 · 09/03/2023 08:56

@Strugglingtodomybest

I found the idea of a child having a golden age amusing

ReneBumsWombats · 09/03/2023 08:58

I know I asked many hundreds of children myself, and found more enjoyed and benefited from lockdown than suffered because of it

That settles it. Couldn't ask for anything more empirical and conclusive. Thank you for your service.

Invisimamma · 09/03/2023 08:58

Poverty is the real cause of the mental health epidemic.

Botw1 · 09/03/2023 08:58

My kids liked not going to school.

That doesn't mean it was good for them overall.

If I genuinely thought not going to school was better for them I wouldn't send them