Thousands seeking mental health support in West Sussex during lockdown
Stats have been released as the county marks World Mental Health Day
Last updated 10th Oct 2020
As many as 13,000 people in West Sussex alone are expected to have mental health problems due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
That's the estimate given by West Sussex Mind, which is stressing the importance of having someone to speak to at a difficult time, as Saturday (October 10th) marks World Mental Health Day.
The Durrington-based charity, which supports people in Worthing, Shoreham, Lancing, Littlehampton, Steyning, Midhurst, Bognor and Chichester, is gearing up for a further increase in referrals this winter, on top of already increased demand from those who faced issues dealing with sudden unemployment and the isolation brought on during lockdown.
The charity quickly adapted to continue help people by phone, with one-to-one video calls and video groups online, as well as some limited socially distanced in person support.
Issues being faced at this very difficult time include:
• Anxiety, depression, increased stress levels
• increased risk of suicide
• extreme stress for people on the frontline, such as doctors, nurses
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• financial difficulties due to the crisis
• struggles with isolation
• strained relationships where people are confined together
• bereavement, especially when it has not been possible to hold a normal funeral or visit a loved one in hospital
• people who already have mental health problems finding the challenging situation making them feel worse
• young people struggling with university, school or college work alone at home.
Among those to have faced issues is Jacqueline from Midhurst, who has faced on-and-of issues with OCD and anciety over the last 10 years and sought more help after a difficult end to 2019.
"I’m the sole carer for my disabled daughter and my son has had problems too. It was his problems that intensified my own stress and anxiety. It was a very difficult time.
"When I first spoke to Rhiannon, and then Toni, at West Sussex Mind, they had some really good ideas for me, like thinking about my stress bucket. But the pandemic has set me back.
"With OCD, the things I worry about usually aren’t real. Now, with the pandemic, they are real. My daughter is being shielded because she’s so ill, and if I got it, there would be no-one to look after her.
"When the lockdown started I only went out once a day to walk to the dog. Apart from that, I don’t go out and I haven’t seen anyone.
"It has been great to have Toni to talk to – we achieve as much on the phone as we would do in person, and I’m so grateful for the support."
The pandemic means West Sussex Mind is losing thousands of pounds of fundraised income, at a time when the need for mental health support is growing.
Chief executive Katie Glover said:
“We urgently need your help. If you are able, please make a donation so we can continue our important work. Thank you.”
You can donate to West Sussex Mind by visiting their website.