Impact of living cost crisis on mental health "very similar" to pandemic, says Stamford counsellor
Figures show there's a backlog of 1.4m people waiting to start treatment for mental health referrals
The cost of living crisis could be having just as much impact on people's mental health in Stamford and Rutland as the pandemic, a local counsellor confirmed.
Stamford Psychotherapist Julie Griffin says there are concerning parallels between the two:
'It is very very similar, we had lockdowns we couldn't go out, we couldn't socialise and the cost of living crisis brings us shock.'
'It's not the same kind of shock, it's not as obvious, but it's still a shock particularly for those of us that haven't ever experienced a recession, or a cost of living crisis before.'
'There's a fear: "what's this going to look like for me?" The fear of "can I support my family, how is that going to look?" and just the uncertainty of it all, the parallel there: "Will I survive?"'
'Fuel costs, energy bills costs, food costs is going to cause stress and anxiety for people, particularly for those with families.'
"A threat of pandemic proportions"
The Royal College of Psychiatrists says the cost of living crisis poses a "threat of pandemic proportions" to our mental health.
Head of the RCN, Dr Adrian James says the NHS could reach unprecedented levels as we try and cope with the rising price of food, fuel and other essentials.
He added there was a £300m "black hole" in mental health funding caused by inflation, which he said would be partly taken from a recently-announced £1.5bn funding for local services - but he said more support will be needed next year.
Last month the chancellor announced a £15bn package to help the most vulnerable deal with the rises, but ministers have said they cannot help everyone.