New research from Mind shows 18-24 year olds more likely to use healthy coping mechanisms at Christm

The mental health charity Mind has released new research suggesting that 18-24 year olds are more likely to practice healthy coping mechanisms to manage their mental wellbeing over the festive period.*

When asked about the different types of coping mechanisms used, respondents in the 18-24 age group said they were more likely to reach out to friends and family, use exercise and practice meditation than the wider population.

They are also more likely to find activities like arts and crafts helpful for relaxation.

Additionally, 18-24 year olds are less likely to increase their alcohol consumption as a way of coping than the average respondent (11 per cent compared to an average of 19 per cent).

Karen Bolton, Head of Community and Events Fundraising for Mind said: “We commission research each year to understand who most enjoys taking part in fundraising activities. This year, we found that the 18-24 age group were almost twice as likely to take part, however, we also found some interesting stats that seem to blast the snowflake myth firmly out the water!"

“This younger generation are all too often criticised for being ‘less resilient’ but our research suggests that this age group take proactive and positive steps to manage their mental health.”

The charity conducted the research as its 2018 Christmas Crafternoon fundraising event launched, where members of the public are encouraged to get crafty and create Christmas gifts as an alternative to shop-bought presents.

Crafternoon participants from previous years have also reported that crafting creates a sense of calm and an opportunity for mindfulness among the Christmas chaos, as well as a chance to get together with friends, family, colleagues and the wider community. It is currently the UK’s largest craft-based mental health fundraiser.

Part of Mind’s festive fundraising drive, Crafternoon involves getting together with friends, family or colleagues and holding an afternoon of creative fun. Whether it is card making, knitting, crocheting, or bauble making, previous research suggests crafting of all kinds can be good for our mental health. Anyone can host or take part in a Crafternoon at a time that suits them.

Whether it’s organising a Crafternoon at work, at home, or in a local café, inviting people to enjoy a fun, craft-themed event while raising funds for a good cause can boost both mood and wellbeing. Many people find creative activities like colouring in and needlework particularly therapeutic because they help you relax and unwind, focus on producing something and can even offer the chance to spend more time with loved ones.

Karen added: “Every penny raised through Crafternoon makes a big difference – just £50 could answer six calls to the Mind Infoline which provides much-needed support to people across the country.”

Free Crafternoon guides, full of tips and ideas, are available here at Mind / Crafternoon so crafters young and old, expert or novice, can unleash their creativity and help Mind make sure that no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Get involved or find more information on Crafternoons here

* Populous conducted 2,079 online interviews with a nationally representative sample of UK respondents aged 18+. Interviews took place online between the 12th and 14th October 2018 with quotas set on age, gender and region and data weighted to the known profile of the UK.