The University of Glasgow is leading a new study, in partnership with Samaritans and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health), into the mental health and wellbeing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in adults across the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The study will aim to understand the impact of the pandemic, and the unprecedented social distancing measures introduced across the country, on mental health indicators such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, self-harm or positive mental wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scientists have recruited 3,000 adults from across the UK, and will track their mental health and wellbeing \u2013 as well as their experience of COVID-19 \u2013 over the next six months and beyond. This will allow researchers to track mental health during and after the lockdown period, as well as what works to help keep people\u2019s mental health stable in such difficult circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Rory O\u2019Connor, from the University of Glasgow\u2019s Institute of Health & Wellbeing, who is leading the study, said: \u201cWe are living through exceptional times, that people will find unsettling, and leave them uncertain of what the future may bring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn this study, we aim to understand the psychological impact of COVID-19 on adults across the UK. No-one knows for certain what the impact will be, but by tracking a representative sample of the UK public, we will be able to identify who is most vulnerable and what helps to keep people safe and well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Elizabeth Scowcroft, Head of Research at Samaritans, said: \u201cThis is a crucial piece of research at a really extraordinary time. It\u2019s so important that we do everything we can to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the population\u2019s mental health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt Samaritans, we know how important it is that people get the right support when they need it most. And the first step to making sure this happens is understanding more about what they are experiencing as a result of the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are honoured to be supporting this project and working alongside researchers to produce insightful findings that will be directly translated into the real-world to help those who need it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Billy Watson, Chief Executive, SAMH, said: \u201cWe are delighted to be supporting this important new piece of research with a significant cohort of people in Scotland and across the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRecent weeks have seen us all working to deal with the immediate impact of coronavirus, but it\u2019s also crucial that we look at and understand the long-term difference it may make to Scotland\u2019s mental wellbeing. Therefore we hope that this research will help shape our response now and in the future so that we are able to provide people with the best and most appropriate support we can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The researchers will use the findings to inform public policy and practice, and share their findings with key stakeholders and others working internationally to understand the impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won\u2019t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email\u202fjo@samaritans.org<\/a> \u202for visit \u202fwww.samaritans.org<\/a>\u202f to find details of your nearest branch.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The University of Glasgow is leading a new study, in partnership with Samaritans and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health), into the mental health and wellbeing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in adults across the UK. The study will aim to understand the impact of the pandemic, and the unprecedented social distancing measures introduced across …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[199],"tags":[7948,4512,1893],"class_list":["post-16178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","","category-news-views-and-opinion","tag-covid-19","tag-mental-health","tag-university-of-glasgow"],"yoast_head":"\n