The spread of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdowns enforced by many countries have contributed to an increase in mental health issues worldwide and a decrease of professional help available.
According to a study conducted by the Office of National Statistics, 69 per cent of adults in the UK reported feeling very worried about the effect of Covid-19 in their lives.
Marcus Pindelski, a life coach from west London, said: “During the pandemic, people have been challenged to their core to find new ways of coping and adapting, this has definitely taken its toll.
“At the same time, it’s prompted fundamental focus on the conditions we need to survive and thrive as human beings.
Highlighted importance of mental health
Pindelski added: “I feel like mental health has more been placed under the microscope in 2020 because more people have suffered from mental health difficulties.
“While painful and damaging, I can only see this new enquiry into better mental health as positive.”
Although mental health issues are on the rise because of Covid-19, professional help is not as available for the same reason.
A study conducted by World Health Organisation (WHO) earlier in October, showed that the advent of Covid-19 altered or in certain cases totally disrupted critical mental health services in 93 per cent of the countries involved in the survey, which already used only two per cent of their national health budget for mental health.
Widespread disruption
The figures show that most countries reported widespread disruption of critical mental health services.
About 60 per cent reported disruptions to mental health services for vulnerable people, including children, adolescents and women requiring antenatal or postnatal services.
In addition, 30 per cent reported disruptions to access for medications and 75 per cent disruption to school and workplace mental health services.
Various options are available in the UK in case of mental health-related emergencies:
- Call free on 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/.
- Text SHOUT to 85258 to get crisis text support, available 24/7.
- Call 0800 58 58 58 (available daily 5pm to midnight).
- If under 35 you can call HopelineUK 0800 068 41 41 or text 07786 209697
- If under 19 you can call Childline on 0800 1111.
- For life-threatening emergencies call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
- For non-urgent help visit https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care/nhs-111/
