Well, how are you feeling?

Caroline Jones, Independent MS for South Wales West, looks at the pandemic’s impact on mental health

AS WE leave the dark winter months behind us and enjoy the spring sunshine, we can now also look forward to the easing of lockdown restrictions.

As the number of Covid cases continue to fall each and every day and number of people vaccinated continues to rise, we can look forward to some semblance of normal life returning.

The threat of a third wave is ever present. However, over half our adult population have had a first dose of the vaccine and almost all the clinically vulnerable have had their first dose, many have had their second, we are not far from a time when the worst is behind us.

The pandemic has taken a terrible toll on both physical and mental health. Very few of us have escaped the impact Covid-19 has had on our mental wellbeing.

Loneliness and isolation, anxiety and stress have hit many of us hard. Fortunately we will shortly be able to re-establish face-to-face social contact with family and friends. When we do, it’s vital that we all learn to open up about our mental health. We have to ask loved ones and neighbours how they are coping.

Three little words “How are you?” is all it takes. Pre-pandemic one in four of us struggled with poor mental health, I expect after the terrible year we have just had, that figure is now much higher.

Taking the time to talk to each other now that lockdown is starting to ease is the first step on the path to recovery. However, for many people the presence of a friendly ear will not be enough - they will need professional help.

Sadly even before coronavirus hit our shores our professional mental health services were overburdened. Massive waits for talking therapies meant an over-reliance on antidepressants. While pharmaceuticals have a role to play, they are not the answer for everyone.

In a few short weeks, we will go to the polls to choose a new Welsh Government. I hope, whoever is in charge on May 7, that they give greater priority to mental health services. Mental health should have parity with physical health.

If I am fortunate enough to be reelected, I will be calling on the next Welsh Government to increase funding for mental health services and to recruit sufficient numbers of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists to ensure no one has to wait in mental distress and that talking therapies are available to all who need them.

Stay safe and take care.