According to statistics from the ONS, around 1 in 5 (21%) adults experienced some form of depression in early 2021, which is more than double levels observed before the pandemic.

The World Health Organisation defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which an individual can realise their own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and make a contribution to the community.” Put simply, mental health relates to how you are feeling, and how well you can cope with daily life.

Mental health is important because it is a vital part of your life, and it impacts your thoughts, behaviours and emotions. Being healthy emotionally can promote productivity and effectiveness in activities like work, school or caregiving. Your mental health also plays a crucial part in the health of your relationships, as well as allowing you to adapt to changes in your life and cope with adversity, says Dr Glen Xiong, a clinical professor at UC Davis Health.

To find out more about the importance of mental health, I spoke to Jessica Black from the Max Windle Memorial Trust, a local mental health charity,.

In January last year, Max Windle, a Crawley Town FC Foundation Academy player and talented athlete sadly took his own life, aged 16, after battling depression.

The Max Windle Memorial Trust (MWMT) was registered as a UK Charity in June of 2021, with the mission of raising awareness and giving support to young people suffering with their mental health, with a focus on depression, anxiety and suicide prevention.

“After losing Max, as his family we want to ensure that we do everything possible to help young people who might be struggling with their mental health as he was, and to ensure that no family has to go through the heartbreak that we have. No child should have to suffer, leading to such devastating consequences.”, said Jessica.

The Max Windle Memorial Trust wants Max’s legacy to be one of support and care for young people like him and for his charity to have a long standing and active role to support the improvement and protection of mental health.

“Through our efforts, we aim to encourage people to ask for help and come together so that they do not feel alone or isolated in their struggles with mental health and give them the tools and safe space they need when they are brave enough to do so. Even if the Max Windle Memorial Trust makes a difference to one person, we would be so proud, but ultimately, we want to help as many young people as effectively as possible.”, she added.

“At each point through setting up and working on the MWMT we ask ourselves; what could have helped Max. This is not an easy question to answer, but since our conception of this charity, we have learnt so much about the fantastic work that country-wide organisations are doing to support young people’s mental health. There is still so much to be done, and this is where our donors’ funds provide invaluable support.”, she said.

The MWMT will issue funds it raises to groups that help support those struggling with mental health issues and conducts vital work by raising awareness of the importance of mental health. Not only does their work help educate young people about mental health but the charity also equips people with the tools and spaces to get support so that they can support themselves if they are struggling.

Jessica explained: “Crucially, no one should be alone in their mental health struggles, and we want to ensure that people who need it are able to seek support, comfort and guidance. It is essential that every penny that is raised via MWMT makes a difference.”

In a survey conducted by Mind, a national mental health charity, two thirds (65%) of adults and more than two thirds (68%) of young people with mental health problems said their mental health got worse since the first national lockdown. Meanwhile, one in four adults and over one in six young people experienced mental distress for the first time during the pandemic.

However, according to statistics from the ONS, the number of depression diagnoses during the period 23 March 2020 to 31 August 2020 compared to the pre-pandemic levels decreased by 23.7%. This could be because less people wanted to visit their GPs due to fear around the pandemic and this was compounded by overall stress on the NHS and both factors led to a backlog of appointments and delays in patients being seen, treated, and diagnosed.

Overall, there was a greater decrease in depression diagnoses for men (27.4%), than for women (21.4%). In contrast, depression diagnoses as percentage of all diagnoses rose by 1.3 percentage points to 15.6%. As a percentage of all diagnoses, depression diagnoses increased most among people living in the second most deprived areas and least among people living in the least deprived areas. This shows that people who were likely already struggling were worst affected.

Theodore Joloza, a statistician at the ONS, said: "While the number of GP-diagnosed cases of adult depression has fallen during the pandemic, these cases make up a larger percentage of overall diagnoses than pre-pandemic. Meanwhile self-reported feelings associated with depression continue to increase. The picture is one of a rising toll on mental health, with many people not necessarily accessing medical help.”

“From our experience we understand that various lockdowns and restrictions have had a devastating impact on many people’s mental health as life has at various points over the last couple of years, come to a standstill with no end in sight. This means less or lack of doing the things that people enjoy, which can also lead to a feeling of isolation. Without face to face contact it is harder for friends to check in with each other and discuss their feelings and angsts, and to identify those who might be struggling.”, explained Jessica.

“For young people especially, these years are crucial developmentally and these recent uncertain times have exacerbated mental health issues. The pandemic has also meant that those who might have been struggling with their mental health have not been able to reach out to health care professionals as easily, and resources have been limited. The fact that the pandemic has led to an increase in poor mental health also means that there has been a big backlog and waiting list for people who might need emergency support. The negative effects are irrefutable, and the results could be catastrophic. Young people need support now, more than ever.”

However, there are ways to improve your mental health. Taking breaks when studying, exercising regularly, practising mindfulness and talking to those you trust about your feelings are just a few helpful steps you can take to boost your mental health. Never be afraid to reach out and ask for help from others if you have any concerns, issues or worries.

Jessica added: “Start discussions around mental health with your friends, family, school and wider community. Educate yourself and those around you. Identify areas within your community that need improvement and take the reins! Take an active role. Fundraise for charities and trusts supporting mental health organisations; if you would be interested in fundraising for the MWMT we would be so grateful. Do not be afraid to speak out, speak up, and ask questions.”

“Finally, if you or anyone you know are struggling with your mental health, please speak out. You are not alone, and you can be helped. Reach out to your friends, family, teachers, GP, or you can message the YoungMinds textline by texting YM to 85258 which provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis. If you need urgent help with your mental health or if you feel as though you or someone else is at risk of immediate harm, please call 999 immediately.”

There are numerous helpful resources online you can refer to if you need to, including: Mental Health Self-Help - NHS, Mind, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA and Childline.

The Max Windle Memorial Trust would be immensely grateful for any donations to their JustGiving page, and if you would like to find out more about them, you can view their Instagram page as well.

Remember, if you are struggling with mental health, please don’t be afraid to speak out.