COVID-19 Inquiry Focuses on Mental Health Impacts of the Pandemic

The UK COVID-19 Inquiry is now examining the significant mental health consequences of the pandemic, a development hailed by mental health advocates as a crucial step towards addressing long-term needs and preventing future failures. The inquiry’s Module 10 is specifically dedicated to assessing the pandemic’s ‘Impact on society,’ with a key focus on the often-overlooked mental health crisis.

Mental Health Services Disrupted During Lockdowns

Testimony before the inquiry has highlighted dramatic reductions in people with existing mental illness seeking help during repeated lockdowns. “Stay at home” messaging, while vital for controlling the virus’s spread, inadvertently kept individuals away from essential mental health services, including emergency departments. Concerns were raised about fear of breaching lockdown rules and anxieties about travel contributing to this decline in access to care.

GP attendance for mental health concerns also saw sharp declines, accompanied by a decrease in prescriptions. Some individuals reported feeling unworthy of seeking help, exacerbating the issue. Reports from ‘Every Story Matters’ feedback indicated a lack of available therapists during lockdown periods, and remote consultations were not always helpful.

Access to Care Challenges

Difficulties accessing medication were also reported, as restrictions hindered patients’ ability to attend clinics or collect prescriptions, impacting the management of pre-existing mental health conditions. This disruption in care had a tangible effect on those already struggling with mental health challenges.

Lessons Learned for Future Pandemic Preparedness

Experts emphasize the need to prioritize mental health services in future pandemic planning. A key recommendation is to ensure access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), point-of-care COVID-19 testing, hygiene facilities, and infection control training for mental health care staff, particularly those working in inpatient wards. This is crucial for protecting both patients and healthcare professionals.

Broader Impacts of the Pandemic on Mental Wellbeing

The COVID-19 pandemic and the virus itself, SARS-CoV-2, have had a substantial impact on mental health globally. Many individuals experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder during this period. Research suggests an increased likelihood of developing mental illnesses or disorders in the months following a COVID-19 infection, and those experiencing Long COVID may face additional neurological and mental health challenges .

A World Health Organization report found that mental health services were disrupted or halted in 95% of countries worldwide .

A Moment for National Reckoning

The inquiry represents a “moment of national reckoning” to understand what happened during the pandemic, identify shortcomings, and prevent repeating past mistakes. Advocates stress the importance of building a resilient mental health system capable of withstanding future crises.

Mind campaigned for the inclusion of mental health in the inquiry, arguing that its omission would represent a failure to those the inquiry serves.