Youthline sees 300% increase as young people contract Covid-19

Mental health services are seeing a “spike in demand” after news of the nationwide level 4 lockdown, Stuff reports. The day Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the lockdown, Youthline – a free 24/7 helpline for young people across the country – saw a 300% increase in texts received. According to Kerry Gibson, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at Auckland University’s school of psychology, “There is a lot of pressure on young people today.” However, Gibson said feeling anxious “is entirely appropriate” as this “isn’t a normal time”.