NHS mental health services and mental aid charities in Lincolnshire have seen a major increase of those reaching out for help after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wendy Fisher, who is the care group director of the NHS Foundation Trust across North Lincolnshire, Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber (RDaSH) said their services have “experienced an increase in referrals since lockdowns were lifted and our facilities are in high demand especially inpatient beds and crisis services.”
The reasons for this mental health crisis vary and according to Mrs Wendy this mostly likely has happened due to restrictions such as lockdowns, isolation, working from home and anxiety around the pandemic.
The way in which people are reaching out for help has changed too with The Samaritans reporting that they have seen a 23 per cent increase in emails from people seeking help, they believe this may be due to working at home. The Samaritans also answer 10,000 phone calls a day.
Jessica Denman, 23, from Lincoln reached out for help twice this year. The first time was during a lockdown and the second was after the lockdown ended. Jessica said that although the help was accessible it did take longer to see a psychiatrist during the lockdown but understood why this was the case.
Due to increased usage of mental health facilities these organisations have had to adapt. RDaSH say they’ve adapted by improving access to psychological therapies for those with anxiety disorders and depression by encouraging self-referrals via (https://iapt.rdash.nhs.uk)
RDaSH operate across many areas and offer help to anyone or any age. They have a separate mode of help for young people called Camhs which can be accessed via https://camhs.rdash.nhs.uk or phoning 01724 408460.
Although the need for mental health aid has increase, RDaSH remains confident that their NHS based services can still help those in need.
For those experiencing severe symptoms or suicidal thoughts people are encouraged to call 0800 015 0211.