Covid-19: Up to 10m people in England may need mental health support, says charity

The consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on people’s emotional wellbeing are “severe”, according to the Centre for Mental Health.

The charity estimates that around 10 million people — including 8.5 million adults and 1.5 million children — in England may need support for a range of mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders.

During the coronavirus pandemic, safety regulations such as lockdowns and social distancing have had a detrimental impact on our mental health.

One in five adults was likely to experience depression during June 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics. This has doubled from one in 10 adults the previous year.

There has also been an overall increase in anxiety and depression, with 45% of those aged 16–29 reporting high levels of anxiety. A similar study carried out prior to the pandemic found that 39% adults rated their anxiety “very low”.

Before the pandemic, 70% of adults aged 16–24 said they would “definitely agree” that they had people who would be there for them if they needed help.

Today, with strict coronavirus guidelines, most people are unable to receive this support, with 43% of adults choosing another household as their ‘support bubble’ just to see their family members.

According to Nick O’Shea, chief economist at the Centre for Mental Health: “Unresolved mental health needs can escalate to crisis point without effective early help. We cannot afford to wait and see or to leave it until after the pandemic has subsided.”

The Office for National Statistics states that 85% of adults experiencing some form of depression felt stress and anxiety was affecting their wellbeing. A further 42% said their relationships were being affected as a result.

Chief executive for the Centre of Mental Health Sarah Hughes said: “There is a rising tide of distress that will over time require effective and compassionate care and support… we must not leave the nation’s mental health to chance.”