Covid to impact mental health ‘for years to come,’ analysis suggests

Some 10 million people in England will need support for their mental health as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, which could continue to have an impact for up to five years, according to the Centre for Mental Health.

The charity said the government must invest in extra mental health support for people who have been worst-hit by the coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath.

In an analysis published on Wednesday, it found mental health risks are reatest among those who have been personally affected, such as those who have lost loved ones, who have survived severe illness or who have cared for people during the pandemic.

The model also warned a post-pandemic recession could increase the numbers needing help for their mental health if there is widespread and prolonged unemployment.

It suggests the number of people needing mental healths upport is three times higher than the current capacity of mental health services in England. While the NHS is already investing in additional mental health services, the model suggests the current expansion will not keep pace with growing demand.

The Centre for Mental Health said it is “vital” for the government to develop services to meet the specific needs arising from the pandemic, and gave the example of specialist bereavement support and evidence-based help for those with trauma symptoms after working or being treated in intensive care.

“It is imperative that the government, the NHS and local councils ready themselves to respond to the aftermath of the pandemic on the public’s mental health. Just as the virus is novel, so too are some of the mental health challenges which emerge,” said Nick O’Shea, chief economist at Centre for Mental Health and author of the report.

“Meeting the mental health needs that arise from Covid-19 is not optional. Just as responding to the threat of the virus itself has tested every nation’s resilience and resources, so will addressing the psychological and emotional consequences. There is time to prepare, but the window to do so is limited and we cannot wait and see what happens before making the decision to act decisively.

“The government’s mental health recovery action plan makes a start but it must now be followed by a clear strategy to put in place services that can offer timely, evidence-based and effective care to people whose lives have been scarred by the events of the last year.”

It comes as the government announced more than £17m will go towards upgrading mental health support in schools to tackle the impact of the pandemic, such as training thousands of senior mental health leads in school areas across England and providing training for education staff to deal with children experiencing pressures brought on by the pandemic.

Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, said the pandemic has been “difficult” for many children’s mental health and wellbeing and the next months would be “crucial in supporting their recovery”.