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The coronavirus pandemic has “substantially” worsened people’s mental health, according to a new study. It’s a pattern we’ve been witnessing for some time – responses to HuffPost UK’s ‘How Are You Feeling?’ project reveal people have experienced a spectrum of emotions.
Among more than 200 responses collated were candid descriptions of people’s mental health struggles: from depression, stress and anxiety to feeling completely in despair and suicidal.
One NHS nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, was signed off work with depression prior to the pandemic. “I feel as if I have no value,” she said. “I was getting better before lockdown but I have been suicidal at times. My GP continues to sign me off sick but hasn’t seen me or spoken to me on the phone for over three months.”
The proportion of people reporting at least one mental health problem “more than usual” has more than doubled, with almost one in four (24%) respondents saying this in April, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS).
This compares to one in 10 people who they predict would’ve reported the same had the pandemic not occurred.
The “sizeable deterioration” in mental health overall was driven by more problems being experienced, rather than deteriorations in existing problems. The scale of this deterioration in mental health “is of a magnitude unlike anything we have seen in recent years”, the IFS said.
Of those who shared their thoughts for HuffPost UK’s ‘How Are You Feeling?’ project, many cited health anxiety, depression and concerns for the health of loved ones, as well as for the uncertainty ahead.
Hannah, from London, said: “I wake up most days with a sense of dread at the thought of having to face another day with no light at the end of the tunnel. I experience mood swings of normality and depression. I’m sick of it all and cry almost every day.”
Therapists have noticed common themes among clients in the virtual therapy room, including loneliness, money worries, grief and anxiety. One reader told us: “Most of all I am fearful for the health of my loved ones as we now know, anyone can become seriously ill with Covid-19. I’m anxious for my own health as I’m in the shielded group.
“I feel we’re all in a living nightmare, not knowing who will be struck down hardest with this illness. I feel sad every day for those whose lives have been lost and for their grieving families. I feel depressed and helpless.”
The NHS lead for mental health, Claire Murdoch, urged people to not “undervalue their mental health” right now, as she expressed fears those struggling may not come forward.
She said the number of people seeking help has dropped during the crisis, but the NHS is ready to move “very, very fast” to respond to a predicted imminent surge in need.
For those who feel like their mental health has suffered, NHS talking therapies are still running and taking on new patients – people can self-refer online or speak to their GP about getting psychological support. Private psychotherapists are also running virtual therapy sessions, and can be found via sites such as Counselling Directory and BACP.
Therapists previously shared advice with HuffPost UK for those feeling anxious about this prolonged period of uncertainty. Tips included: turning off news notifications, prioritising self-care and learning how to create your own certainty.
But not all mental health problems are created equal and plenty of people still need regular and physical help. Lockdown has meant most therapy sessions are virtual, and some people aren’t comfortable talking about their mental health problems, mental illness or addiction while at home.
And, a survey by Mind found a quarter of people who have tried to access mental health support during lockdown have been unable to get help.
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it’s “already spending record amounts on mental health” and it recently provided £5 million to mental health charities to fund additional services for people struggling with their mental health as a result of the pandemic.
Former MP and vice president of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Luciana Berger, said the UK needs a long-term action plan for mental health support, just as much as a plan for economic recovery.
“Ministers have made promises of support for mental health charities and there have been discussions of what the NHS can do,” she wrote in an opinion piece for HuffPost UK.
“Part of this must be proper resources for counselling and psychotherapy, especially to support bereaved people, for those ‘locked down’ with their abuser within a relationship, for vulnerable children, for older people, and for those going through the shock of losing their jobs.”
Useful websites and helplines:
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.
Covid-19 is more than a news story – it has changed every aspect of life in the UK. We are following how Britain is experiencing this crisis, the different stages of collective emotion, reaction and resilience. You can tell us how you are feeling and find further advice and resources here.
Useful websites and helplines
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.