Professor has ‘grave concerns’ over mental health timebomb

Leading Dundee academic warns of effect on those most vulnerable in crisis

One of the UK’S leading mental health practitioners has expressed “grave concerns” about the impact coronavirus isolation and social distancing could have on the mental state of vulnerable people across Britain – especially in the Dundee area.

Zoe Chouliara, who is professor of mental health at Abertay University, said she is particularly worried about people who have pre-existing psychological issues, multiple comorbidities, the elderly and those living in poverty.

The counselling psychologist, who runs a frontline psychological clinic at Ninewells for people with severe and complex mental health issues, said these groups are likely to suffer the greatest mental health impact that could potentially lead to further morbidity and mortality.

The past-chairperson of the British Psychological Society also fears suicides could increase, divorce rates could rocket and domestic abuse could become more prevalent unless there is a greater emphasis on mental health awareness and issue prevention.

“I feel as a professional we should be getting out some messages on how people can cope and protect their mental health as much as possible under these novel and challenging circumstances,” she told The Courier.

“This should be done whilst people are still following the crucial public health guidance. We need to act promptly before the issues become too big to manage.

“We have already noticed that anxious patients are getting more anxious, depressed patients are getting more depressed. We are also worrying obviously about the risk of suicide among vulnerable people.

“Also because the event is so sudden with a high degree of uncertainty, there’s an element of mass dramatisation about what’s happening.”

Prof Chouliara pioneered a groundbreaking self-help resource for survivors of childhood abuse. She was the lead author on the Acts Of Recovery booklet, the world’s first research-based and survivor-centred resource.

Now she hopes her person-centred approach to dealing with mental health adversity can make a positive difference.

Prof Chouliara said her clinic at Ninewells had been suspended for staffing reasons and to limit face-to-face contact during the coronavirus crisis.

But she is continuing to work with clients remotely and would be “keeping an eye on” some of the most vulnerable including those at higher risk of suicide, self-harm and higher levels of distress.

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Concerns: Professor Zoe Chouliara of Abertay University.