Highland support group fears coronavirus pandemic could trigger mental health epidemic
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A mental health support group has issued a Highland suicide warning as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to take its toll.
Serenity, a group set up to support women with mental health issues, has seen the number of followers on its social media channels double in recent months.
It now fears issues surrounding the pandemic could trigger a mental health epidemic.
Inverness-based suicide prevention charity Mikeysline is also reporting a significant increase in the use of its helpline – and anticipates it will continue to rise.
It comes as a UK-wide survey showed almost one in five adults were likely to be experiencing some form of depression – almost double the pre-pandemic rate.
Viv Mackie, a founder of Serenity, says the pandemic is having a hugely detrimental effect on the mental health of men and women.
“We are extremely concerned about a mental health pandemic and a possible increase in suicide rates due to people losing their jobs, financial issues, mental health deterioration and loneliness,” she said.
“We are extremely concerned that the suicide rates will rise, as this happened in the recession in 2008.”
With the furlough scheme set to end in October and additional financial pressures in the run-up to Christmas, she feared it could be the final straw for some.
“We want to get the message out there that it’s OK not to be OK,” she said.
“Reach out to your supportive network and talk about your feelings and thoughts.
“Talking can change and save lives.”
The peer support group has been given £2000 by the Corra Foundation, which awards grants to help improve the lives of disadvantaged individuals and communities in Scotland and developing countries. to set up a website to help people access support.
It has also restarted its weekly drop-in sessions at the Pentecostal Church Hall in Beaton Lane.
Mrs Mackie said people suffering mental health issues found the pandemic particularly challenging because of the constant changes in guidelines.
“People that suffer from social anxiety due to being socially isolated for months are finding it difficult to be part of society again,” she said.
Another member of the group, Margaret McLean, said more people were now on universal credit because of the pandemic and were struggling financially.
“There have been a lot of people trapped at home trying to look after kids and work, or are worried because they no longer have a job,” she said.
“I think we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg.
“I think there is more to come.”
Inverness Central councillor Emma Roddick, who endorses Serenity’s work, said the group was right to shine a light on the trauma that lockdown has been for many.
“Covid-19 is a dangerous virus which shut down half the world in a matter of months – but it still hasn’t killed as many people as suicide will this year,” she told the Courier.
“It’s more important than ever that we continue to make clear that everyone has mental health, and that anyone can and should seek help – whether through their GP or a local support group – if they are struggling to cope.”
Emily Stokes, service manager with Mikeysline, said there had been a significant increase in the use of its textline.
“Many people continue to feel anxious and uncertain about their future,” she said.
“We anticipate that the need for our services and those requiring support will continue to increase in the forthcoming months as people continue to be impacted in their daily lives.
“It is really important that no one is alone with difficult thoughts and feelings.
“It is absolutely OK to not be OK, and important to know that you are not alone.”
Anyone wanting to contact Serenity should email Serenitydropin@gmail.com. They can also be contacted via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
People can text Mikeysline on 07779 303 303, or request a call back service at www.facebook.com/MikeyslineYANA .
