Covid-19 caused greater increase in poor mental health, a new study suggests

The study by Public Health Scotland warned it was not yet clear what the full extent of the impact on Scotland’s mental health would be.

It came as a mental health charity said young women across Scotland’s were among the worst affected by the pandemic, and had repeatedly reported the “highest rates” of suicidal thoughts.

Samaritans, which helped people struggling with their mental wellbeing on 2.3 million occasions during lockdown, says the government needs to put suicide prevention at the heart of its efforts to rebuild the country.

And SeeMe, Scotland’s national programme to end stigma and discrimination towards mental health, has also confirmed that some groups are more likely to suffer from poorer mental health as a result of coronavirus including women, front line workers, people from impoverished backgrounds and those with underlying mental health issues.

Public Health Scotland confirmed that the pandemic would have various impacts on the health both currently and in the future. A rapid review carried out between March 4 and May 15, 2020 summarises the current evidence on Covid-19 and its impact on mental health in Scotland.

The limited evidence suggests that there is an increase in poor mental health across the country particularly among those with pre-existing mental illnesses, healthcare workers, people who have had exposure to Covid-19 and women.

It also highlights that those with a low educational level were more likely to suffer while social, family support, hygiene measures and physical activity appeared to safeguard mental health.

The public health review also raised the “urgent” need for good-quality research on the impact of covid-19 and social distancing measures implemented on mental health in Scotland.

SeeMe, Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, said there is “no denying that the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of the nation” and that steps should be taken to ensure that people don’t experience mental health stigma and discrimination, which can block them from getting the right help and support.

Wendy Halliday, director of See Me, said: “Unfortunately some groups are more likely to struggle, and can find that they don’t get the help that they need, or are unable to ask for it.

“We know that many people who struggled with their mental health throughout the pandemic haven’t spoken to anyone about it. Research we carried out earlier this year showed us that just over a quarter of Scots who experienced a worsening of their mental health for the first time during the pandemic were yet to have a conversation about it.

“Of those who hadn’t spoken about their mental health, a quarter of people said that it was because they felt like everyone was struggling, and they were no different, while a fifth said that they don’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health.

“Everyone has the right to get help when it comes to their mental health – so I’d encourage anyone who’s struggling to speak up. Of those who had spoken to someone about their mental health, 71 per cent said that it had been a positive experience.

“Similarly, if you notice someone close to you is struggling, speak to them about it. Almost half of Scots say that they’d felt concerned about the mental health of someone they care about during the pandemic – and 72 per cent had tried to start a conversation about it, which is a great start but there’s more to be done.

“Simply asking, ‘Are you okay?’ can be the prompt that some people need to open up and get help.

“Mental health stigma is one of the biggest barriers to people getting help when they need it. By opening up conversations, we can change opinions and make sure everyone is able to access the support they need.”

Samaritans Scotland also believes that mental health issues were elevated during lockdown particularly among those with pre-existing conditions.

Those who are struggling and need urgent help can contact Samartians on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258.

Alternatively they can contact SeeMe on 0141 530 1111.