Dr Alex George on mental health through the pandemic

A new survey has revealed that more than a third (37%) of Brits wouldn’t seek help for mental health and wellbeing concerns because they don’t feel their problems are serious enough, prompting fears thousands of people are going without support. Furthermore, nearly half of those surveyed (42%) don’t understand that poor physical health can impact on mental health, or that factors such as diet (69%), exercise (54%), relationships (52%) or sleep (45%) can help boost mental resilience (our ability to adapt and bounce back during times of change and adversity).

The survey – by Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity – also shows four in five Brits (83%) are concerned about the ongoing negative impact of the pandemic on their mental health, with more than a third reporting increased stress and anxiety (38%) or feeling more low or depressed than usual (31%).

To encourage the nation to think more holistically about their mental health and how they can maintain it, Nuffield Health, in partnership with mental health charity, the Mental Health Foundation, has launched a new digital questionnaire. Taking around five minutes to complete, the questions explore multiple factors that can impact emotional wellbeing such as: physical activity, work and finance, purpose and value, eating and drinking, sleep and digital detox. On completion, users will be guided towards information to help maintain emotional resilience, sources of support, and where to seek help for problems they may be experiencing.

Aston spoke to Dr Alex George, A&E doctor and former Love Island contestant to discuss the research in further detail.