Coronavirus cutbacks cause mental health crisis

Mental health charity Mind has found that nearly a quarter of people have not been able to access mental health services in the last two weeks.

The charity spoke to more than 8,200 people about the toll that coronavirus is taking on their mental health and found that almost a quarter of people who tried to access mental health support in the past fortnight had failed to get any help – facing cancelled appointments, difficulty getting through to their GP or Community Mental Health Team, being turned away by crisis services and issues accessing digital alternatives.

Mental health experts from across the world have warned that governments must take immediate action to increase mental health support, warning of a possible surge in the number of suicides. Evidence shows that when people do not get this support early enough, they are more likely to reach crisis point and need emergency help.

Whilst the NHS has urged the public to still come forward for help, Mind found that almost half of those who didn't seek help for their mental health were worried their problems weren't important enough given the wider crisis, with others saying it was unclear whether it was safe or responsible to attend a face to face appointment. Instead, 20 per cent of those who have sought support have turned to charities and community groups.

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, said: “A vast number of us have seen our mental health deteriorate during the coronavirus crisis. It is therefore deeply concerning that people are struggling to get the help that they urgently need. Evidence shows that when people do not get support early enough, they end up in crisis. People with mental health problems have been hit hard by the current situation. We are particularly worried that some people are being discharged too early from hospital, while others have been left languishing on mental health wards, because of the current limited the availability of community support. Being sent home at the wrong time can delay recovery and, at worst, puts people at high risk of suicide.

"A drop in the number of referrals to NHS mental health services, including those for children, is worrying when we know the need is high. It has never been more important that people are encouraged to access mental healthcare that is timely, appropriate and available at the point of need. If not, we are storing up more complex problems for the future. We will closely follow the measures the NHS is taking, ensuring that resource is spread appropriately, and strive to support people through our own services as best we can. The coronavirus pandemic is not just a physical health emergency. People with mental health problems must not be forgotten."