Lots of awareness week activity
NICOLA FINDLAY
Dr Lisa Cameron is calling for the mental health of fronline workers to be protected amid the coronavirus crisis.
It is feared NHS staff on the frontline of the pandemic could develop anxiety, burnout, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
So the SNP East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahgow MP wrote to the health secretary in her role as chairwoman of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG).
In her letter, she told Matt Hancock that key workers in the NHS, social care and frontline settings faced“an unprecedented situation”that put a strain on their mental health.
She added:“They face huge physical demands, in terms of long hours, intense work and a risk of infection, as well as the huge psychological demands of managing anxiety and psychological distress from patients, caring for those at the end of their lives and supporting families coping with bereavement.
“As this crisis continues, we urge you to hold the physical and psychological needs of frontline staff in mind and to value both needs with parity.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint, and it will be important to consider how psychological needs may vary between individuals, between geographical areas, in different healthcare settings and at different phases of the response.”
Dr Cameron has now secured a debate in parliament on psychological support for frontline staff to mark Mental Health Awareness week.
The British Psychological Society – backed by Dr Cameron and the cross party group – has said psychological first aid should be provided to prevent a“future mental health crisis”.
A clinical psychologist, Dr Cameron has also joined forces with Hope Virgo to‘Dump the Scales’.
Hope battled with an eating disorder for four years and spent a year in hospital, yet when her symptoms returned, she was refused treatment because she was not thin enough.
That led to her starting the‘Dump the Scales’campaign, to ensure people get treatment regardless of weight or BMI.
Dr Cameron said:“Hope raised concerns with me, that people with eating disorders are at extra risk during the coronavirus crisis.
“In terms of eating disorders, lockdown and isolation means many more people are struggling with food, lack of routine, anxiety, loss of social support and difficulty accessing treatment.
“And whilst many are not doing enough exercise and may be struggling with obesity during lockdown including our own politicians, there is also an invisible group of people who suffer from eating disorders.”
The MP wants access to treatment for all who have eating disorders, regardless of BMI.
Meanwhile, a free to use 24/7 mental health and wellbeing resource offering online peer-topeer and professional support to those aged between 16 and 19, is now available in South Lanarkshire.
That’s after the council partnered with Big White Wall (BWW) to set up the service that offers anonymity and a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings, get creative and learn how to self-manage your mental health and wellbeing.
Whether struggling to sleep, feeling low, stressed or unable to cope, BWW can help young people get support, take control and feel better, providing a supportive, online community to give help when you’re feeling down.
Trained counsellors – known as wall guides – are available to offer informal support 24/7, with a choice of services, including access to resources and online self-help courses.
This means anyone struggling can get support at a time that suits them, from the comfort of their own home.
NHS Lanarkshire are urging staff to reach out if they are struggling with their mental health.
Videos have been posted on its Facebook page with helplines for any who are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of dealing with COVID-19.
Speaking out to frontline staff Gary Tanner, director of psychological services, said: “The COVID-19 outbreak is like nothing we have experienced before.
“That’s true for all of us whoever or wherever we are.
“It’s a time of worry, uncertainty and stress and we are all likely to feel all sorts of emotions at different times – all of this is entirely normal.
“Feeling what you are feeling doesn’t mean there is anything wring with us.”
He adds: “As NHS workers the temptation is to push through and do whatever we can for our patients .
“That kind of care is admirable but let’s make sure we turn that care inwards too...do what we can to look after each other and ourselves.”
He outlines a number of options available to support staff in need.
This includes a 24-hour staff support helpline on 01698 752 000 or a stress line on 08082 819 288.
There are also wellbeing hubs and rest areas in all three acute hospitals – Hairmyres, Wishaw and Monklands – and many community sites.
There are also staff support hubs.
Mr Tanner added: “Help is available online, by phone or in person.
“NHS Lanarkshire Psychological Services are working with SALUS and the staff support and wellbeing team to make sure everyone is looked after in these difficult times.”