NHS urges people with mental health worries to seek help
ALMOST one in five adults is likely to be experiencing some form of depression during the pandemic and almost one in eight developed moderate to severe depressive symptoms, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Ongoing research has shown there are still many barriers to accessing mental health support, as it is often considered a taboo subject in south Asian communities, with feelings of shame and fear, or a lack of understanding of mental health preventing many from speaking to professionals or loved ones around their concerns.
Pavandeep Johal, CEO of The Heera Foundation, said: “Covid-19 has impacted us all in different ways and our mental health is just as important as our physical health. It’s more important than ever to try and educate ourselves about what mental health is and how it can affect us and our loved ones.
“The impact of suffering in silence can be detrimental and result in social isolation, broken relationships, deteriorating health or even suicide. I would encourage you to reach out as soon as possible.”
Not everyone will need professional support to get through anxiety, but for those that do the NHS provides services across England, which are easily accessible.
Support can also be found through many independent south Asian charity organisations such as Taraki, Sikh Your
Mind, and The Heera Foundation.
NHS Talking Therapies are a confidential service ran by fully trained experts, and the service can also be delivered in your chosen language through multi-lingual therapists or through confidential translators. People can access the service by visiting their GP or refer themselves online.
Dr Roopak Khara, general adult psychiatrist at West London NHS Trust, said: “Talking therapies have been available through the NHS since 2008 and the programme is recognised worldwide for its scale, quality standards and effectiveness.
“If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, please do come forward: it’s easy to get help when you know how. No one should have to suffer in silence. You can ask your GP for a referral to NHS Talking Therapies or get a self-referral online.”
The service has been fully running throughout the pandemic with almost 95 per cent of talking therapies delivered remotely from July 2020 through a digital platform or over the phone, allowing people to stay in contact and get support more flexibly and comfortably. Face-toface appointments are also still available, and services have implemented new measures to limit infection risks.
The NHS is here to help. To find out more about talking therapies, you can visit the NHS website: nhs.uk/talk