The coronavirus crisis is the biggest threat to mental health since World War II, with the impact felt for years after the virus was brought under control, the country ‘s leading psychologist has said.
Dr Adrian James, president of the Royal College of Psychologists, said the combination of the disease, its social impact and its economic impact had a profound effect on mental health that continued long after the epilepsy was diagnosed. re-enter.
It is estimated that up to 10 million people, including 1.5 million children, need new or additional mental health support as a direct result of the crisis.
The prediction comes when the virus comes out in the UK, and highlights the need for a plan that will ensure that those who develop mental illness or who experience vision have a quick access. existing position on effective support in the coming years.
“This is going to have a huge impact on mental health,” said James. “This is perhaps the biggest impact on mental health since the Second World War. It does not stop when the virus is under control and not many people are in hospital. You need to fund long-term impact. ”
Demand for mental health services fell at the onset of the pandemic as people stayed away from GP surgeries and hospitals, or thought there was no treatment available. But the decline continued with an increase in people seeking help that does not show they were able to stop.
Data from NHS Digital shows that the number of people in contact with mental health services has never been higher, and some hospital trusts report that their mental health wards are at full capacity. “Obviously the whole system is under pressure,” said James.
Modeling by the Center for Mental Health predicts that up to 10 million people will need new or additional mental health support as a direct result of epilepsy coronavirus. An estimated 1.3 million people who have not previously experienced mental health problems need treatment for moderate to severe anxiety, and 1.8 million are treated for moderate to severe depression, he found.
The overall figure includes 1.5 million children at risk of anxiety and depression caused or reduced by social isolation, quarantine or hospitalization or the death of family members. The numbers could rise as the overall impact becomes clear to Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, care homes and people with disabilities.
The risk to mental health has been used as an argument against locksmiths, but James said the mental health reasons for controlling the virus should not be overlooked. In addition to the fear of being infected or if vulnerable people become ill, a serious illness can cause mental health problems. About one-fifth of people who received mechanical ventilation in the spring developed post-traumatic stress disorder.
Others deal with complex sad reactions after losing loved ones to the virus, often unable to leave a blessing in person. The potential for mental health problems in people with “Covid long” is also a real concern, said James, adding that uncertainty about employment, housing and the wider economic crisis will only add to the crisis. cattle.
To meet the forthcoming demand for help, mental health services need to be set up and made more accessible, James said. Young black men, for example, are often reluctant to seek early mental health care, a problem that needs to be resolved through closer working with local communities.
Even once vaccines have been introduced and the risk of coronavirus has declined, many people seem to need help to regain their social support networks and get back into life. normal, James believes.
“It’s very easy to think that when it’s safe to do so, we’ll all be out right away, but I think it will take a while to get people used to that. Older people are the most likely to suffer from older adults who have become accustomed to being alone, ”he said.
“We need to support the voluntary sector, the charities, which will help them out of the home to communicate and participate in meaningful activity. We know that as you get older, if you lose your connections for a while, you can ignore them. ”