In response to findings showing concern about mental health issues linked to social distancing measures and lockdown easing, Superdrug is partnering with My Online Therapy, the UK's leading online therapy platform, to provide access to qualified mental health services to people in the UK. 

WHY IT MATTERS

New research conducted among over 3,000 Superdrug customers has revealed that 65% of people are concerned about the further impact on their mental health as social distancing measures and lockdown are eased.

The results show that 80% of people believe that social distancing and lockdown has negatively impacted mental health in the UK, 22% have spent so much time in one place that they’re anxious to go into more crowded environments. Twenty-one per cent feel insecure about being sociable again after spending the lockdown being less social. Forty-three per cent are nervous about lockdown being eased because they’re unsure they’ll be safely protected from coronavirus and 12% are worried to leave the safety of their home.

My Online Therapy is one of the UK's first virtual psychology clinics and provides access to a range of evidence-based psychological therapies by connecting people with HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) registered psychologists via video, live chat or daily coaching.

THE LARGER CONTEXT

The new partnership is the first of a number of initiatives being launched by Superdrug in 2020 to support people’s overall mental and emotional health.

Earlier this year, a Kaspersky commissioned study highlighted technology's role in easing Britain's loneliness problem. The study reported that 42% of Brits who say they have felt lonely during the pandemic have actually felt less lonely or the same way, than they did before it began.

Meanwhile, employers in a number of industries have launched digital health services and technology to keep track of mental health issues and to support employees with anxieties around returning to a life outside of lockdown.

ON THE RECORD

Michael Henry, healthcare director, at Superdrug said: “More than six out of 10 of our customers are telling us that their mental health has been negatively impacted by social distancing and lockdown measures. In addition, 84% of our customers have told us they want more accessible mental health services. This service is now prominently displayed on Superdrug.com making it easy for people to find out more and look into what therapies might be most helpful to them at this time.”

My Online Therapy ambassador professor Green said: “Superdrug partnering with My Online Therapy provides a direct route to a service many people need but don’t know where to start. Therapy is a staple of my week wherever I am in the world. My Online Therapy provides people with that support by the many different channels of use available - offering even those too nervous for a face to face the chance to start taking better care of themselves and to build their confidence.”