Mental Health Crisis: “I just want the old me back”
As depression rates in the UK almost double during the pandemic, Closer looks at why so many are struggling...
❛ I FELT AS THOUGH I’D LOST MY PURPOSE IN LIFE ❜
Just six months ago, Jemma
Naia was a successful events planner who loved going to the gym and socialising with her friends.
But now, the 44 year old struggles to get out of bed in the morning. She is unable to work and cries almost every day.
Jemma, who lives in London, says, “When I first heard about coronavirus, I thought it would be over in a couple of weeks.
“At first, I coped OK, but now I’m struggling. I feel overwhelmed and stressed.”
VULNERABLE
Shocking new statistics have revealed that depression rates in Britain have doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with one in five people suffering with mental health issues.
Those aged between 16 and 39 were the most vulnerable group, with figures rising from 11 to 31 per cent.
Experts say these figures are proof that the government needs to focus on supporting the nation’s mental health.
Sophie Corlett, director of external relations at mental health charity Mind, says, “Lockdown required us all to adjust quite suddenly to big changes to our daily routines and lifestyles. Making changes can be difficult to deal with, and can affect our physical wellbeing, sleep, diet and exercise schedules, as well as our mental health. Not being able to resort to our usual coping strategies – such as seeing loved ones and going outside regularly – has had a big effect on us all.
“We also know that major life events, such as bereavement and redundancy, as well as problems with things like housing, finances and benefits, are all linked to poor mental health too. Now that the Government is putting a stop to emergency measures such as the furlough scheme and housing support, we’re worried that even more people will fall through the gaps, and struggle to get the support they need, particularly those already most disadvantaged.
“It has never been more essential that the Government commits to supporting everyone with a mental health problem, and Mind will continue to hold them accountable. Mind is urging the Government to pass five key tests, including continuing to invest in community services, protecting those most at risk, and reforming the Mental Health Act.”
Jemma had never experienced any issues with her mental health until lockdown began.
She explains, “I was one of those people that breezed through life. I really enjoyed my freelance events job, and I was excited to move to America in May for a change of scene. My future was exciting.
“Then, at the end of March, when lockdown began, my mum suggested I stay with her in East Sussex. I agreed, as she had more space. I thought
I’d be there for a month at most.”
HOPELESS
For the first few weeks, Jemma felt fine. She got up early each morning to meditate and work out. But soon, she started to struggle.
She explains, “I began to feel so worried and hopeless. It felt like my life had fallen apart. I couldn’t make any plans and I couldn’t find freelance work. I felt like
I’d lost my purpose in life. I stopped exercising, as I didn’t have any energy, and started eating junk food. I spent most of my time worrying.”
Jemma’s mental health affected her physically, too. She began grinding her teeth, was unable to sleep, and got hives on her neck. She says, “Most days, I sleep until 10am, get a coffee, and then go back to bed. I’ve tried to get some sort of routine in my life and making plans seems pointless. I browse for jobs online, but I know there will be hundreds of others applying for the same roles. I know that I need professional help, so I’ve started counselling. I just want the old me back.”
PANIC ATTACKS
Mum of two Jessie Collins knows just how Jemma feels. Jessie, a nurse from Peterborough, says she was laidback before the pandemic – but she’s since
experienced panic attacks and mild depression.
Jessie, 27, who is mum to Charlie, seven, and Elsie, five, explains, “I have always prided myself on being able to handle whatever life throws at me – which is one of the reasons I began training as a paediatric nurse. Even at the start of the pandemic, I wasn’t worried about getting sick, I just wanted to do my job and help others.”
But in April, Jessie caught coronavirus. She says, “At first, I told myself I’d be fine as I’m fit and healthy. But one evening, I started having heart palpitations, so my partner Charles called an ambulance
“No one was allowed to come to the hospital with me, and I remember sitting in the ambulance thinking
I may never see my children again. Working on the frontline meant I knew just how serious it could be, and I was terrified.”
While Jessie made a full recovery from COVID, her mental health worsened.
She explains, “Two days after I left hospital, I had my first ever panic attack. My heart was racing, and I couldn’t breathe. At home, I couldn’t watch the news or go on social media, because any information about the virus would cause me anxiety. When I went back to work, I asked not to be placed on a COVID ward. I just couldn’t handle the stress.
“And it wasn’t just fears about the virus – I started worrying about work and the kids. I struggled to sleep, and some days I found it difficult to get out of bed in the morning.”
Eventually, Jessie went to her GP, who encouraged her to get in touch with Mind.
She explains, “Once I accepted that I had a mental health issue, I was able to get support. Speaking to Mind made me realise I wasn’t alone.”
Jessie began meditating and blogged about her experiences. She says,
“I would say my mental health is improving. I haven’t had a panic attack in a while, but it still affects my life. Sometimes I lack motivation, and I don’t work with COVID patients at the moment. It’s strange to think that six months ago I had no worries at all. But I’m proof that anyone can struggle.” By Kristina Beanland and
Mel Fallowfield