[B033] Waiting to Be Heard: The Toll of Mental Health Delays on Young Adults

BOOSTGB
Jun 11
3 min read

Introduction

If you’re a young adult or university student struggling with mental health, the phrase “you’re on the waiting list” might sound painfully familiar. This study explores the real-life stories of young people navigating these long delays. It gives voice to those left waiting — not just for treatment, but for validation, for hope, and often for a lifeline.

What the research shows

The study reveals the deep emotional, psychological, and practical toll that waiting lists take on young adults:

Alternative support was essential: Many turned to medication, private therapy, or university wellbeing services due to NHS delays.
Mixed coping strategies: Some adopted mindfulness and meditation, while others resorted to self-harm, substance use, or disengaged from life altogether.
Support networks mattered: Friends and family became stopgaps in place of formal care — often without proper guidance.
Functioning was disrupted: Participants struggled with studying, working, and even basic daily tasks like eating or showering.
Mental and physical health deteriorated: Anxiety increased, depressive symptoms worsened, and physical illnesses were exacerbated.
Hopelessness and self-doubt took root: Being told they weren’t “bad enough” to receive care led some to believe they needed to get worse to be taken seriously.

Facts about the study

Published: March 18, 2022 in PLOS ONE
Authors: Georgia Punton, Alyson L. Dodd, Andrew McNeill
PMID: 35294519
Participants: 7 university students aged 19–22, all had waited between 6 and 47 weeks (mean: 16 weeks) for psychological support (e.g. CBT, counselling, psychiatric review)
Method: Qualitative interviews analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)
Location: UK – specifically North East England, West Midlands, and Scotland

Study limitations

Narrow demographic: All participants were students, which may limit how relatable the findings are for young adults who are not in higher education.
Small sample size: Only seven individuals were included. While this is appropriate for the qualitative method used, it limits generalisability.
Peer-interviewing bias: The researcher was of similar age and background to participants. This may have influenced how openly people spoke or what they chose to share.
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA): This method focuses on in-depth understanding of individual experiences rather than producing broad statistical trends. It allows deep insight into how people make sense of their experiences, but it doesn’t aim to represent all young adults or generate widely applicable conclusions.

Research to action

If you’re currently stuck on a mental health waiting list, here are some simple but helpful ways to manage:

Use mindfulness and meditation apps like Headspace or Calm — techniques mentioned as beneficial by participants.
Talk to people you trust — your friends or family can be a vital support network.
Check with your GP about temporary coping support or charity-led services.
Keep a journal — writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions and create something to share when your therapy begins.
Avoid harmful coping mechanisms — turning to self-harm or substance use won’t get you seen faster and may delay recovery.

Boost summary

If you’re a young adult facing long waits for mental health support, know this: you’re not alone, and what you’re feeling is real. This study gives weight to your experience and reveals how delays in care can worsen both mental and physical health. But it also shows the power of interim coping tools, social connection, and persistence. While systems must improve, your actions today — however small — can pave the way toward feeling better tomorrow.

Take a step now — start a conversation, try a calming practice, or write down what you’re feeling. Action, even in small doses, is part of healing.

Referencing

Punton G, Dodd AL, McNeill A. (2022). ‘You’re on the waiting list’: An interpretive phenomenological analysis of young adults’ experiences of waiting lists within mental health services in the UK. PLOS ONE, 17(3), e0265542. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265542

PMID: 35303040