Why ‘Back to School’ season can be a difficult time for people living with mental health problems

Alarmingly, the latest figures from NHS England reveal that an increasing number of people - one in four adults and one in ten children - are living with mental health problems. Anxiety and depression are at record levels, and data suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to an increased incidence of mental health problems in the general population, whilst simultaneously exacerbating existing mental health issues.

In addition to the ongoing, longer-term challenges faced by overstretched mental health services in the UK (and worldwide), it’s also important to acknowledge seasonal fluctuations in population mental health. During September, ‘Back to School’ season can be a difficult time for many. Whilst some people welcome the end of the summer holidays and the return to a more structured lifestyle, others struggle to adapt. In some cases, this time of year can trigger anxiety and depression - particularly in children and young people. It’s also common for parents to experience feelings of loss and sadness associated with ‘empty nest syndrome’, as younger adults leave home for university, college or work placements.

At Pneuma, we understand the pressure that NHS and private mental health services are under. That’s why we offer a service with a difference; supporting both providers and those in need of mental health care in the community, when they need it most.

We provide qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs), to supplement the workforce in existing teams, help to manage and reduce waiting lists, and ultimately, improve the delivery of high quality care to service users.

Our PWPs offer online and remote support to IAPT step 2 service users, enhance the user experience through telephone and teleconferencing assessments and interventions, as well as supporting SilverCloud and e-therapies. They can also provide low-intensity CBT for common mental health problems including depression and a range of anxiety presentations, which are common at this time of year.

If you would like to find out more about Pneuma Healthcare and our commitment to putting the wellbeing of staff and service users first, then get in touch.